La Junta began early 2004 with a sound combining various musical styles. Influenced by so many genres, including jazz, blues, rock, reggae, latin and hip-hop, every song is significantly different from the next. Attempting to blend each sound, we believe we have found something very refreshing in a world of cardboard cutouts. With our unique style as a backdrop, we reflect what we observe in our everyday lives as well as represent who we are and where we come from in a positive way.
Nick Pena (Acoustic/Electric guitar-lead vocals) began teaching himself to play and write songs in 2001 after being inspired by neighbor Tim Reynolds. By 2002 Nick was jamming with David Fishback (electric/classical guitar) to waste away the nights. Around that same time an elementary school friend, Aaron Lamb (Drums/backup vocals) would begin to sit in to complete what was the beginning of La Junta. Shortly after, Matt Ojinaga was introduced to the group and by late 2003 La Junta was born. In early 2004 at a show in Arizona, Matt C.T. (Turntables/Vocals) jammed with La Junta for the first time, adding to the diversity of its sound.
With help from World Records Music (S.F.), and The Conservatory for Arts and Sciences (AZ), and our friend (and cousin) B, we recorded our first full length album Blue Collar Beats, released in late 2005. That same year, original member David Fishback left the group, and shortly after, Matt C.T. left to focus on his work.
Since then we have made two additions: Danny "Corazon" Hart (Auxiliary Percussion/backup vocals), who brings to the group his love of music and enthusiasm, and Delmone Taylor (Alto/Tenor Saxaphone), who adds musical talent, background and knowledge that would make Coltrane proud. Together we create a sound fusing Reggae, Latin, Rock, Blues, and Hip-Hop - music with poetic and thought provoking lyrics delivered in English and Spanish rhyme.
Recently in May of 2009 La Junta was nominated thier first time in for 2 New Mexico Music Awards, one for best blues song and another for best hispanic contemporary where they took home the award for best hispanic contemporary song. A couple weeks later the group released thier 3rd studio production entittled "Slangin Dirt". A collection of songs that rivals the best the band has done to date. Available on CD baby and various online stores.
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