Mexico City, was the birthplace of Victor Ponce-Juarez. His early life was marked by poverty, but also by exposure to the cosmopolitan musical influences of a major world capital -- everything from salsa, cumbia, boleros and danzon to blues, jazz and classical music. Ponce's earliest musical influence was his grandfather, who performed professionally in the “Trio” style. Twelve years later, the heavy metal movement was sweeping Mexico City's youth, and Ponce's first original songs included distorted guitars and “heavy” rhythms. Victor Ponce's new album, Fuego, represents a new phenomenon in Latin music, a style that is true to his Mexican roots while also faithful to Ponce's own artistic vision.
