The master Carmelo Torres is the greatest representative of the San Jacinto accordion-style cumbia, a music legacy he inherited from the legendary accordionist Andres Landero, his teacher. Orlando Landero Garcia, the eldest son of Andres Landero, is the 'congalegre' (conga drums) player in Camelo Torres' group.
Carmelo was born on the Caribbean area in Plato, Magadalena. He comes from a tobacco farmer's family. His father, born in a region of "gaiteros", was an influent "gaita corta" player; an instrument that has played a fundamental role in the development of the Caribbean Colombian music's melodic.
Carmelo Torres was strongly seduced by the accordion's sound and decided to follow and contribute to the tradition of the mestiza colombian music.