Track Listing

1. Cumbres Andinas [Andean Peaks]
2. En Solidaridad [In Solidarity]
3. Huari Vicuña [Wild Vicuña]
4. Brisa Tropical [Tropical Breeze]
5. Maizal [Corn Field]
6. Chasqui [Inca Messenger]
7. Jacaranda [Jacaranda Tree]
8. Sol y Luna [Sun & Moon]
9. Condorcito [Little Condor]
10. Baila Moreno [Dance Moreno]
11. Camino del Inca [Inca Roads]
12. Ventana a los Andes [Window to the Andes]
13. Herencia Aymara [Aymara Heritage]
14. Despedida del Valle [Valley Farewell]

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #108218 in Music
• Released on: 1998-11-03
• Number of discs: 1

Album Description
Window to the Andes is just that, a glimpse into the magic of the Andes mountains (and culture) where music plays a vital role in Andean daily life. Stretching from Cape Horn almost to Panama, the Andes have seen many cultures and conquering races come and go - over thousands of years. Home to some of the highest mountain peaks on Earth, the mountains have proven magical, even mystical, to any who are lucky enough to witness them. Long regarded by the people as Gods, or Apus, the mountain spirits believed to dwell within these peaks occupy a very important place among the many Gods worshiped. And, like these spiritually and physically immortal mountains, the music has also proven to be indomitable, and ever-present.

The beauty and contrasts of the Andes, from bare highlands to lush valleys to thick jungles, is mirrored in the music. In the highlands, music is more solemn, mystic and sad, reflecting the harshness of life on high. Dedicated to the Aymara culture of the high plateaus of Peru and Bolivia, Herencia Aymara acknowledges the valuable contributions of this rich heritage. En Solidaridad commemorates the working class - miners, farmers, and poor people - of South America who struggle, continuously, against racism and exploitation. Perhaps due to the fact that the milder weather and abundance of products offer a sharp contrast to life in the highlands, life is much easier in the valleys; the music, likewise, is livelier and happier.

Influenced by the Moon, Sun, landscape, trees, animals, crops and weather of the Andes, Inkuyo's music reflects how strongly Andean daily life, as well as religious beliefs, are connected to nature. Combining the best of Inkuyo's tradition, Window to the Andes is a perfect fusion of traditional cultural influences with modern compositions resulting in another priceless jewel in the treasure chest of Andean music available today.

Amazon.com
Window to the Andes is primarily an instrumental recording, featuring the now-expected quena (pan-pipes) and flutes along with an ensemble that plays bandurria, tipple, guitar, and bass. The trio of two Bolivians, Gonzalo Vargas and Jose Luis Reynolds, and Argentinean composer/producer Enrique Coria, while not strict traditionalists, play it pretty straight--with a few nods to modern technique and arrangement, enhancing the heritage of the music. There is nothing experimental about this record, which spares us of the usual reverb-soaked new-age productions that define so many "Andean" musical projects recorded in the United States. Instead, they deliver music with both contemporary depth and folk-rooted honesty. This is a modern extension of an ancient musical culture by a group that allows that growth is part of the folk process. --Louis Gibson

About the Artist
An internationally recognized virtuoso of pan-pipes and South American flutes, Inkuyo's founder Gonzalo Vargas, inherited his traditional musical knowledge growing up in the remote Andean village of Tapajkari, Bolivia. His desire to perform, study, and teach his ancestral music led him to work with numerous ensembles in his native land. He then played a key role in introducing Andean music to the United States and Canada as one of the founders of Sukay. In creating Inkuyo, Vargas brought together the talents of musicians who are well versed in the Andean musical heritage.

For more than three decades, Argentinian guitarist Enrique Coria has been performing classical, folk and dance music from South America. He has played on hundreds of difference recordings with popular groups from Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Bolivia and the United States. Jose Luis Reynolds, previously appearing as a guest artist, is the newest member of Inkuyo. From Bolivia, Reynolds is a master of the charango, bandurria and tipple. Joining Inkuyo are guest artists Yolanda Andrade with vocals and Fernando de Sanjines on drum and snare drum.

To date, Inkuyo's recordings on Fortuna Records/Celestial Harmonies are Land of the Incas (17064-2), Temple of the Sun (17080-2), The Double-Headed Serpent (13070-2), Art From Sacred Landscapes (13088-2), Ancient Sun (13093-2), Window to the Andes (13173-2) and Pachakuti: The Overturning of Space-Time (13276-2).

Customer Reviews

Outstanding work!
Inkuyo continues providing excellence. They are easily the best Andes group today. Window into the Andes is a bit more experimental than the others, but stays 100% within the tradition of Andes music. Every track is rich and moving, an outstanding work! If you like Andes music, BUY THIS!

Not as good as previous releases.
Synthesisers swamp and cover up the lack of inspiration in this CD. I unreservedly recommend the previous discs but not this one.

This is a wonderful album
I bought this album, after listening to Inkuyo's previous work "Land of the Incas", and as of then, this music has captivated me. It is not drole or banal, but the type of music that you can play over and over and still enjoy it for what it is. I think of all the history behind the music and that makes me want to listen to it much more. The musicians are extremely talented to reach such complex melodies and still keep the listener waiting for the next note. Kudos!