Aconcagua Magical Flutes From The Andes CD

Aconcagua is the name of a musical project run by composer/arranger/conductor Pablo Carcamo. It specializes in the music of the Andes, crossing political borders to run the gamut of flutes, panpipes, and guitars that the region has to offer. Inti Illimani this group is not. Aconcagua does not so much use Andean music and let themselves be used by it. Even though they do employ a few modern Western instruments, like the guitar, bass, and accordion, these are almost inaudible in the mix. But while Aconcagua's authenticity is obviously good from one point of view, it becomes onerous from another, as their rhythms seldom vary, nor does their timbre.

There are exceptions to the rule. The piece "Lejania (Too Far Away)" begins with an echoey, breathy flute and continues with a fast-march pace that affords some variety. Another somewhat interesting number is "Dos Pensiamentos (Two Thoughts)," in which a too-short solo for the cuatro (small guitar) is followed by a too-long, flamenco-like solo for the Spanish guitar. But most of the tracks are the usual uninspired concatenation of huffing and strumming that is Andean music. If you're looking for Andean sounds with a bit more bounce, try Los Incas. ~ Kurt Keefner

Recording information: ACR Music Studios, East Grinste (12/1998).

Personnel: Pablo Cárcamo (guitar, requinto, charango, vihuela, flute, accordion, keyboards, drums, percussion); Judith Zeelenberg (violin).

Audio Mixer: Pablo Cárcamo.