Click image for song "Añoranza de la Salchipapa"

Rocola Bacalao, the self-proclaimed "most chimba band in Ecuador," was formed in 1999 by Iván Mendieta and Paolo Moncagatta. A little later, Andrés Trujillo joined to form a trio of guitar bass and drums.

Rocola's music includes a fusion of distinct musical genres--ska, punk, reggae, merengue, cumbia, swing, polka, reggeatón and sanjuanitos, the last two authentic Ecuadorian rhythms. The band's sense of humor, the irreverent lyrics to their songs and their stage presence has made them a sensation among Quito's live music scene.

Rocola has produced three CD's: Mi Primer Compat Diss (2001), Más aniñados que nunca (2002) and Live in Tokio (2003). From the last CD we bring you the song "Añoranza de la salchipapa (Junk Food Homesickness)."

The bands current members are:
Paolo Moncagatta, "the Skeleton": bass, vocals
Ivan Mendieta: Guitar and lead vocals
José Andrés "el pollo" Terán: drums
Hernan "el mono" Vélez: trombone
Miguel Sevilla: Saxophone
Galo Pozo: trumpet
Santiago "el zucko" Rosero: minor percussion

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Updated: 11/01/04