In the late 1960s, the coastal city of Paramonga, just a three-hour drive north of Lima, gave rise to a vibrant music scene shaped by surf, rockabilly, and tropical sounds. Among its protagonists were two musicians, Víctor Ramírez and Maximiliano Chávez, who, with their psychedelic guitars, Fender amplifiers, and wah-wah pedals, would define not only their own sound but also shape the musical identity of the region. Under the mentorship of their manager, Néstor “Romanito” Robles, the two guitarists added a few remarkable percussionists to the lineup and formed Los Orientales. Their debut single, “Lobos Al Escape,” recorded in 1970, reached the very top of the Peruvian charts, catapulting the band to national fame and spreading their electrifying cumbia throughout the country. Despite this early success, internal tensions led to a split between Víctor and Maximiliano, resulting in two rival groups with the exact same name. Seeking wider recognition, Los Orientales de Paramonga of Víctor Ramírez – the band featured in this project — traveled to Lima and signed with Sono Radio, the country’s leading label. The seven songs on Side A of this compilation are from the LP “Con Sabor Tropical” from 1972, and the six songs on Side B are from the LP “Tremendo Ritmo” from 1973, while Sides C and D are compilations drawn from their 45 RPM singles. Together, these recordings offer a complete journey through the sound and spirit of Los Orientales de Paramonga at their peak. 

listen