Search - Sukay :: Return of the Inca

Sparkling, soaring music of Bolivia and Peru!

Brianna Neal | USA | 01/01/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Eddy Navia, Enrique Coria, Alcides Mejia and Quentin Howard offer clever arrangements of traditional Andean songs as well as original compositions inspired by time-honored techniques. Navia's charango (a tiny Bolivian guitar) sparkles, Mejia and Howard's winds soar, Coria's guitar provides a rich and steady grounding, and shouts, handclaps and drumming complete the ambience. Joining the group for this recording are David Grisman on mandolin and Adolfo Rodriguez on winds. As on Sukay's previous album, "Cumbre", most of the selections on "Return of the Inca" are upbeat and fairly quick in tempo. This cheerful, celebratory music with its distinctive, varying rhythms is ideal for driving or working, and is a particularly good pick-you-up in the middle of an otherwise drowsy afternoon. Try Sukay's many other recordings too, such as "Cumbre: High Energy Music of the Andes" and "Navidad Andina: Celebration of the Seasons." Another enjoyable and somewhat more progressive interpretation of Andean music can be found on the CD "Andean Songs" by Takillacta."