About the Band

Las Cruces native Paul Benavidez joined Malo in 1997 after his manager recommended him to fill a vacancy. Paul started singing at age three and was an all-state tenor in New Mexico with multiple talent show wins. He won the Star Seekers male vocalist championship in 1991 and played with “A Group Called El Paso” before Malo. Known for his impressive four-octave range, Paul’s voice blends ethereal beauty with powerful energy, making him a standout frontman.

From Mendota, California, Jay Rossette joined Malo in 2001 after Arcelio Garcia discovered him playing locally. He played with the band through 2006, returned as a substitute between 2010-2015, and rejoined full-time in 2016. Jay has shared stages with legends like Heatwave, The Delfonics, and Tierra, with his work appearing on TV and film soundtracks. One of his favorite moments was Malo’s 30th anniversary show, performing alongside original band members—a night he cherishes deeply.

Aaron Wall, from Fresno, California, has been a longtime fan of Malo and their rich musical and cultural legacy. After collaborating extensively with Malo members Daniel Cervantes, Jay Rossette, and Pete Rodriguez, he was honored to join the band in 2022, carrying on the legacy of Arcelio Garcia.

Aaron’s musical journey began in elementary school with piano and drums. While initially drawn to rock and funk, he found a deep connection to Afro-Cuban music at age 15 when joining a salsa band. He immersed himself in Latin percussion styles, influenced by groups like the Fania All Stars and Tito Puente. Aaron has performed across the US and Europe in Latin, rock, and jazz ensembles.

Bay Area native Tony Townsend joined Malo in 2022 after a call from timbales player Gibby Ross. Influenced by Bay Area legends and his mentor Angel Carrillo, Tony grew up immersed in salsa, Latin jazz, and funk. He proudly fills the shoes of original Malo conga player Raul Rekow. Tony is active in the Las Vegas music scene and endorses Gon Bops percussion. Joining Malo represents a dream come true, connecting his lifelong passion to the band’s legendary sound.

Born in Sacramento and now living in San Bernardino, Jack Musgrove was invited to join Malo in 2004 after Arcelio Garcia heard him play earlier that day at an open show. He recorded on Malo’s En Vivo album and became a full-time member shortly after. Jack’s musical background includes performing in Army bands in Germany, and his trumpet style is influenced by legends like Maynard Ferguson and Malo’s original trumpeters Luis Gasca and Forrest Buchtal.

Born in Los Angeles and based in Fresno, California, Cesar Enamorado began his musical journey playing piano at his father’s church. His talent and versatility have led him to perform with artists such as Malo, Mali Music, Grupo Codiciado, and many others.

After being invited to fill in for a Malo gig in September 2022, Cesar became a full-time member of the band. In addition to performing, he’s released his own original music on all platforms and recently opened his own recording studio, marking exciting new milestones in his career.