The Cruzeros are an original roots/country/americana-recording act from Kelowna BC. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1996, resulting in five charting singles, four videos on CMT, two Top Ten Can Country hits and dozens of award citations including a JUNO nomination for Country Group Of The Year. Their second album, 'El Niño', though not yet officially released, has already garnered impressive critical acclaim. It was listed by Country Music News as one of the Top 12 albums produced in the year 2000. It was also voted one of the top 20 cd's by members of the Fred Eaglesmith internet digest, the only Canadian album on a list including Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris and Johnny Cash. Other accolades from last year include: Richard Flohil (The Record): "...this record by a rootsy British Columbia country band is available as advance warning that a fresh gust of warm air is going to blow in from Kelowna ... original songs that are as comfy as old shoes, this ought to bring the band to national attention. "Larry Delaney (Country Music News):

"The Cruzeros prove that point here with El Nino, an album that borders on being one of the most creative on the Canadian music scene in years. "Fred J. Eaglesmith: "The Cruzeros are the best band I have seen in ten years! Very good songwriters and great performers. They should be very optimistic about their new cd El Nino. "Bruce LePerre (CKDM Music Director): "I would have to say that this is definitely one of the best albums I have heard in this not so young anymore year! "Andre Wetgen (Daily Courier): "The material on El Nino, honed over the past few years both on stage and in the recording studio, is in keeping with the most progressive music coming out of Nashville today."

El Niño is a diverse collection of original songs in the roots/americana genre. The album's 12 tracks wind their way through Tex-Mex, bluegrass, swing and rock while featuring the trademark harmonies of the Cruzeros throughout. Depending on the venue the Cruzeros perform as an unplugged trio or a full concert band featuring Barry Mathers (guitar, mandolin, vocals), Curtis Tulman (12-string, harmonica, saxophone, vocals) and Jim "Pa" Ryan (keyboards, bass, vocals). In either case they deliver a wealth of original music mixed in with selections from Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Fred J. Eaglesmith, Chris Knight, John Prine, John Hyatt, Johnny Cash, Hoyt Axton and other great songwriters.