Frank McCulloch y Sus Amigos (Frank McCulloch and Friends) have been playing together since 1999. Mostly Mexican or New Mexican in origin, their music is comprised of songs that many of us in the southwest grew up listening to or singing, as well as several originals written by Frank in Spanish. The group consists of Frank McCulloch (vocals and guitar), Melody Mock (violin), and Luis Campos (guitar). They have been part of the annual "Nuestra Musica" performance at the Lensic Theatre in Santa Fe a number of times, and in addition to their regular Sunday brunch gig at Java Joe's Coffee Shop in downtown Albuquerque, were often seen around the area playing at museums, art receptions, local festivals, the Old Town Gazebo, and other events.
Frank McCulloch (senior) is a native New Mexican born in Gallup of mixed heritage, including Irish and Hispanic roots. His father ran Harvey House Hotels in Gallup and in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Frank grew up hearing the folk music of the region and Mexico, and began playing music in the 1950s. He has recorded many songs for the J.D. Robb collection of New Mexico folk songs. Frank taught high school art for 30 years, and is a well-known landscape painter. He recently celebrated his eighty-second birthday.
Luis Campos is often seen around town playing flamenco music either solo or with flamenco groups. He studied guitar in Spain and has a degree in guitar performance from the University of New Mexico. He has produced several CDs of compositions, both original and traditional. You may also contact Luis through his website.
Melody Mock grew up in a musical family close to the Mexican border. She remembers spending many hours in guitar shops in Mexico where her parents bought instruments for their music school. She started playing violin at the age of three, and toured North American and Europe with her family playing classical guitar in a five-member group up until the age of 13. She began playing music again when invited to join Frank at Java Joe's one Sunday. She also designs websites (including this one) and can be found online at mmockdesign.com
