Search - Sukay :: Cumbre

Upbeat and striking!

Brianna Neal | USA | 01/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Aptly subtitled "High Energy Music of the Andes", "Cumbre" (which means "Summit") features traditional Andean instruments in sparkling, original arrangements by Eddy Navia. Distinctive single and multiple pipes, charango and vocals are accompanied by traditional rhythmic and harmonic patterns on drum and guitar. Most of the numbers are fast-paced instrumentals, and "Tierra de Vicunas" and "Danza del Sicuri #2" are particularly fascinating, not only because of Navia's engaging and progressive compositional style but because of the enormous, deep-throated panpipes played by Alcides Mehia and Quentin Howard in rapid-fire repetition. The instruments, nearly as tall as the musicians themselves, are too large and require too much breath to allow for quick playing, so two musicians, each with a set of pipes in hand, alternate in sounding the notes. I was fortunate enough to see this in concert, but there's a picture inside the CD insert that should give a good idea of what's involved. Also evident in the photo is how tiny the guitar-like Charango is, which Eddy Navia strums with marvelous dexterity. Enrique Corea completes the songs with unshakeable and traditional grounding on guitar and bass, and singer Quentin Howard is joined by guest vocalist Yuri Ortuno on one of the two vocal numbers. This is my favorite of Sukay's recordings--intense, varied, and interestingly structured. Try also their later release, "Return of the Inca," as well as Eddy Navia's brilliant solo album "En Charango"."