Customer Reviews

The Roots of Chicha

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This collection mines a style of music that, by the compiler's own admission, has never had much of a following outside of the poor barrios of Peru, where it first emerged in the late 1960s. "Chicha" is a Peruvian variant on Columbian cumbia, in which manic accordions are replaced by gritty electric guitars, and the tempo is kept relatively slow. The style evolved from the introduction of cheap, loud, portable modern instruments such as the Farfisa organ and electric guitars, which lent the sound of yanqui rock to local scenes, but were also easily adapted to local styles. The tracks on this album were all recorded between 1966-78, when rock-flavored experimentation was exploding across South America. Like cumbia, this was party music, made for people to dance to, and although it was frowned on by urban sophisticates and never made it beyond a limited regional influence, the good-timey vibe persists, all these decades later. Put it on, crank it up and you'll find yourself tapping your toes and wiggling your hips in no time at all... (DJ Joe Sixpack)

While the cumbia originated in Columbia, today variations of cumbia have been adopted all over Latin America - from Argentina in the South to Mexico in the North. This collection of Peruvian Cumbia has a unique and somewhat grungy/psychedelic sound. The music feels experimental and somewhat unformed, similar to the Cuban music performed by early West African pop bands of the same period.

If you enjoy these chicha selections, also recommended is an excellent compilation roots bachata from the Dominican Republic:
Bachata Roja: Acoustic Bachata From the Cabaret Era

And you'll find striking similarities between Chicha and the psychedelic guitar vibes of this Senegalese 1970s live Baobob recording: N'Wolof

Columbian Cumbias, recreated by urban Peruvian Bands, great lively music collected by the owner of one of the hippest bars in Brooklyn, who has also formed a group to perform this music, and has put out this disc on his own label.

For anyone into dancing, and contemporary Andean music this is a great find, and kudos again to Amazon for making it so easy to find this fairly obscure disc.

The Roots of Chicha: Psychedelic Cumbias from Peru is an album of "cumbias amazonicas", a fusion of Peru's indigenous melodies, Colombia's cumbia rhythm, rock and roll organ-playing, and surf rock wah-wah pedals. The resulting music has become an audible symbol for the indigenous population's transition to urban living, and resonates with a vibrant originality. The Roots of Chicha showcases tracks by six different bands: Los Mirlos, Juaneco y Su Combo, Los Hijos del Sol, Los Destellos, Los Diablos Rojos, and Eusebio y Su Banjo. The thriving beat of the album, reminiscent of Jamaican Ska or Congolese Soukous, is sure to capture the pulse and spirit of the listener. The tracks are Sonido Amazonico (2:35), Linda Nena (3:45), Carinito (4:05), A Patricia (3:14), Sacalo Sacalo (3:04), Ya se ha muerto mi Abuelo (4:09), El Milagro Verde (2:43), Para Elisa (2:46), Linda Munequita (4:44), Muchachita del Oriente (3:19), Elsa (3:38), Vacilando con Ayahuesca (3:31), El Guapo (3:23), Mi Morena Rebelde (3:21), Si Me Quieres (3:09), Me Robaron mi Runa Mula (3:07), and La Danza de Los Mirlos (2:49). Highly recommended for public library and ethnic music collections.

I think this album is excellent. It's a unique sound, with lots of rhythm, both indigenous and surf. A Bolivian told me that this is drinking music, and, indeed, it's very good music for drinking and hanging out. It's fun, laid-back, and yet high energy. Great stuff.

All tracks on this album are winners. Relaxing and motivating at the same time. Classic. While working or driving, I'm always glad to hear these songs. It's a new favorite. Reminds me a little of the spagetti Westerns.

I bought this CD jointly with the Juaneco y Su Combo Masters ov Chicha Vol.1 CD and it has been the best purchase yet on Amazon. I would suggest that you buy Roots of Chicha and Juaneco y Su Combo Masters of Chicha Vol. 1 CD together for maximum enjoyment. The Roots of Chicha CD does have several tracks from the Masters of Chicha Vol. 1 CD, but it is great. In particular two tracks stand out for fantastic vibes and great surf guitar that is Sacalo, Sacalo and El Guapo both by Los Diablos Rojos one of the top Chicha bands in Peru. I would buy this CD again and would recommend it to Latin music lovers without reservation.

I love classic Cumbia, and I love classic Garage rock. SO Im thrilled to discover this intersection of styles. THe peruvian folk meoldies are an added bonus. Candy!

Thanks to whoever hunted down this style. It's great listening music and great dance music. highly recommended

This CD has an infectious quirky sound. Love it.
The kind of music you want at a party

This mixture of old and new themes in an upbeat salsa Peruvian style all its own.