Customer Reviews

Afro-Peruvian Classics: Soul of Black Peru

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I was introduced to Afro-Peruvian music by a rather large bunch of Peruvian classmates in college about five years ago. I've heard the albums they've brought in and I've heard this compilation... and the compilation, to me, evokes thoughts of "Afro-Peruvian, sanitized for your protection." I've heard gutsier drum jams elsewhere, and when it comes to the soulful singing of Susana Baca or even the mother of Peruvian folk singing, Chabuca Granda, I've heard better cuts from both elsewhere. It makes for a nice starter, though: if you haven' t been exposed to Afro-Peruvian, this may be a gentle introduction. I expected this to be more "Préndeme La Vela" than "Una Larga Noche", although the mandatory "Samba Malato" is here (go look for Nicomedes Santa Cruz's other stuff, that smokes!), as well as "Toro Mata" (would be better to look for Carlos Soto de La Colina' s original version... some people might think Celia Cruz's was the original). And when I see that famous, quote-unquote, world music scalp collector, David Byrne (salsa band leader Willie Colón's words, not mine) joining in, I have to cringe, although I do realize he's the person behind these compilations and that, without him, you wouldn't be reading this review. I'd rather have you listen directly to albums from the artists in the compilation (particularly Susaa Baca and Nicomedes Santa Cruz, who is an institution in Peruvian music), or from Eva Ayllón, Maria del Carmen Dongo or Peru Negro. However, I do warn you that all the truly gutsy stuff is way too difficult to get a hold of through the normal channels...

I came upon this album via an exposure to Susana Baca's "Maria Lando." I was hoping to find more of the same class of outstanding vocalists, poetic lyrics and entrancing rhythms; and I was not disappointed. This remains one of my all-time favorite collections of music. Soulful laments and lovely paeans to an aesthetic ideal alternate with music that just compels your feet to move. "The Soul of Black Peru" inspires, energizes and transports me anew with every listening.

I love this album. It has such great rhythms and I find many of the songs soothing. The voice of Susana Baca slides so gently with the rhythm as she describes the plight of Maria. I also love the song "Canterurias", Cecilia Barraza has an amazingly soothing voice. Plus its fun to try and sing along with in Spanish because of its tongue twister quality. Really all of the songs are great and they hit you at different times in different moods for different reasons. All in all a great album, a variety of songs all with wonderful rhythms and nice tempos.

The voices, the sounds and the rythms will transform you to a different world, full of magic, colour, spirit and humanity.

While familiar with Venezuelan and music from that region, I've never heard this kind of hybrid before.

It is completely mind blowing. Wonderful stuff.

The only disappointing track is track 14 (David Byrne-Maria Lando). This reminds me of Ry Cooder and Charlie Musslewhite perfoming with heavy-weight Cuban artists. "Chalk and cheese" I would say. Never-the-less, only one track out of 15 is a very minor pertubation.

Buy this CD and it will definitely become one of your favorites.

This is the music of Coastal Peru - black/creole music from cities with names like ACARI, CUTUCAN, CANENE, CASA BLANCA. This is a living people, a people of DEEP FEELING, like the people who created the FADO, the MORNA, the SAMBA, FLAMENCO, and the WEST AFRICAN TRANCE AND SUFI traditions. A people rooted in rythm. A people of virtuoso singers and musicians. A revelation. If you ever get a chance to see EVA AYLLON - the greatest living singer and performer - moving across the stage as in some SANTERIA religion (and she "seizes your head")- you will be ready to lay down and die.

Devotees of Afro-Peruvian music may lament that this is a "soft" introduction to the genre, but I think it's a rapturously wonderful compilation. The music is so raw, joyous, bursting with energy, soul and rhythm. I've listened to "Son de los diablos" over and over (I mean in one sitting!) and still can't get enough of it's infectious, playful groove. If I met some of these singers, I would cry like a 60's beetles fan. And I'm a guy...