Guaco
The Legendary Super Band of Venezuela
Guaco fuses gaita zuliana with salsa, jazz, pop and Caribbean rhythms. Globally known as the “Super Band of Venezuela”, their arrangements and stage energy changed the landscape of Latin music.
History & Musical Evolution
Explore their journey from 1968 to today. Pick a decade:
1960s: Beginnings & Gaita Zuliana
Founded in Maracaibo (1968) by Mario Viloria, Alfonso “Pompo” Aguado and Fernando Domínguez. Early recordings like “Navidad Zuliana” embodied pure gaita spirit.
1970s: Fusion & Experimentation
They integrate salsa, jazz, violins and electric guitars with gaita. Albums like “Guaco 79” make them youth icons nationwide.
1980s: Superband Ascendance
Pop/salsa era with orchestral lines and powerful vocalists. Classics: “Aguas de cristal”, “Virgen Guaquera”.
1990s: Internationalization
Records like “Archipiélago” and “Amazonas” fuse Latin rock, jazz and modern tropical sounds.
2000s: Bold Reinvention
Digital production meets R&B, funk and pop. Highlights: “Equilibrio”, “El Sonido de Venezuela”.
2010s–present: Orchestral Glory & Grammys
Symphonic concerts with the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra. Latin Grammys for “Escultura” and “Bidimensional”. Tours and the film Guaco: Semblanza.
Extensive Discography
More than five decades of recordings and innovation.
| Album | Year | Notable Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| Guaco 79 | 1979 | Venite pa’ Maracaibo; Noche Sensacional |
| Guaco 80 | 1980 | Homenaje a Jesús Lozano; Las Pulgas |
| Tercera Etapa | 1986 | Aguas de cristal; Virgen Guaquera |
| Archipiélago | 1995 | Simón’s Dream; Qué Cobardía |
| Amazonas | 1997 | Si Tú la Viera; Cómo Será |
| Equilibrio | 2001 | Señor Weiss; La Turbulencia |
| El Sonido de Venezuela | 2005 | Pídeme; Pasan los días |
| Escultura | 2012 | Dímelo Todo; Vivo |
| Bidimensional | 2017 | Lágrimas No Más; Llenarte de Amores |
| Guaco 50 | 2025 | Cinco Rosas; Me Siento Bien |
Epic Collaborations: Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra
Landmark shows with the national orchestra under Gustavo Dudamel, and awards including Latin Grammys for “Escultura” and “Bidimensional”.
