Matute

Matute is a Mexican pop "covers" group formed in 2007. The sextet is led by singer and producer Jorge D'Alessio, son of actors Lupita D'Alessio and Jorge Vargas. Conceived as an act to pay tribute to the music of the '80s from both English- and Spanish-speaking acts, their repertoire consists of bilingual versions of hits from the era, often in medley format. D'Alessio created the group after coordinating sponsored musical tours for a major refreshment company, where he met many musicians and singers. Named for a cartoon character from the kids' television show Don Gato y Sus Gang, the band played its first show to a mere 14 people. Their first recording was a cover of "Sal de Mi Piel" with the Mexican singer Belinda, chosen because its original was cut by RBD, who had recently split. Their self-financed debut album, Ochenterizzimo, was recorded in Italy and featured covers of Tina Turner's "What's Love Got to Do with It," the Outfield's "Your Love," Culture Club's "Karma Chameleon," and Marco Antonio Solis' "Tú Me Vuelves Loco." They commenced their first live themed show, entitled The 80's Box Show, at a nightspot south of Mexico City. Mexican pop singer Anahí (formerly of RBD) checked out the album and concert. Impressed, she invited them to open first her Brazilian and then her global tours. With the money they earned, Matute began creating a show called La Guerra de los 80's, bigger, brighter, and more dynamic than the first. They won opening spots on tours by other artists and attracted press attention as a band to watch. They followed this review with Matute Show in Acapulco, featuring a guest spot from the beloved Mexican pop group Flans. Tickets flew out the door and Matute got their own national television show, MatuTV, in 2011. A second studio album, Deseo, uncharacteristically featured mostly originals and was issued a year later. In 2013, Matute released the concert album En Vivo!, which earned double gold status in Mexico; they followed it a year later with Matute en Vivo, Vol. 2 (it offered readings of "Total Eclipse of the Heart" and a "Gimmick Medley" that combined "Don't You Forget About Me," "Beds Burning," and "Relax," as well as several rock en español and cumbia medleys. In 2015, they toured Mexico and the United States with a new show called Tour la Matutera. The group reentered the recording studio in 2016. They emerged with Poderes de los Duetos Fantásticos ¡Actívense!, an album of duets performed with artists such as Anahí, Los Claxons, Tren a Marte, and Julion Alvarez, to name a few. The album topped the Mexican pop charts in early 2017. ~ Thom Jurek