This question is to all the Polish people concerning the musical band: Tercet Egzotyczny, why sing Mexican...?

I'm not a fan of the band but since I'm Polish I sort of know them.

The name translates to 'Exotic trio', so I guess they were simply interested in Latin music which was really exotic back in the 1960s communist Poland.

According to this page http://tercetegzotyczny.com/start.php?page=band

the band was founded in autumn 1964 by Zbigniew Dziewitkowski. Before that, along with Witold Antkowiak he formed a band named 'Duet Egzotyczny (exotic duo). Dziewitkowski interest in Latin music started after watching a Mexican film entitled 'La Paloma'. He liked the outfits, sombreros and the music. The main singer was his wife Izabella.

He wrote most songs with Polish, but they also performed some Spanish classics. According to Wikipedia, when they performed in the US for the first time, in the New York Times' review they were considered to have performed "Cu-cu-ru-cu-cu Paloma" better than Harry Belafonte.

Sometimes they are referred to as a bit too kitchy, too ...

Dziewiątkowski died in 2002 but his wife still performs.

Their most famous song in 'Pamelo, żegnaj'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lSJJo6k66I

Here's the thing too...

When one can experience such a first thought of being any difference between the two, until exposed to them over time. As the melody, timing and even styles have such comparative likeness that one who listens and appreciates both, comes to realize their common 'language' of music.

Ignore the lyrics, the native spoken tongues and you (if listening well and get into the rhythmic styles) can understand such an impression continue to both share in almost like melody and expressions.

I have to believe that there must have been some (music) historical roots between the cultures to bridge such styles of Eastern European and Spanish folk music and their eventual, evolutionary paths.

So, it comes to the point that someone versed and familiar with Polish song and music background, would then be most comfortable and easier to perform within the Spanish/Latin American forums.

Just listen to the (their) music.