Featuring: Malkuri Ecuadorian Ensemble Members of the dynamite Ecuadorian band, Malkuri, all come from villages in the Andes Mountains north of Quito, where Otavalo weavings...

Featuring: Malkuri Ecuadorian Ensemble Members of the dynamite Ecuadorian band, Malkuri, all come from villages in the Andes Mountains north of Quito, where Otavalo weavings and tapestries are produced. Malkuri (meaning "Golden Condor") has its origins in the popular group "Nanda Manachi," which is known for its lively renditions of traditional folk music from the indigenous peoples of Latin America.

This music has been passed down from generation to generation. Although the rhythm and melodies have stayed the same for centuries, the lyrics sometimes are changed to reflect the feelings of the musicians, thus keeping the music very much alive. The members of Malkuri are all self-taught musicians, and carry the spirit and energy of their Otavalo heritage. These upbeat and joyful melodies feature panpipes, flutes, guitar, mandolin, percussion and vocals.

Dedicated to preserving the joyful traditional music of the region, Malkuri plays spirited versions of the indigenous folk music of Ecuador and other Andean countries. Those familiar with groups such as Inti-Illimani will occasionally recognize popular tunes such as "Condor Pasa," stand up very well to comparisons with other Andean groups. Guitars, mandolins and charangos, panpipes and flutes, bass drums and rattles mix with the lively cries and occasional vocals of the group members, wonderfully communicating the celebratory feeling of this dynamic upbeat music.

TRACKS:

1. Forestero
2. Aeroplano
3. Condor Pasa, El
4. Tabacundena
5. Picaflor
6. Carnaval de Oruro
7. Huaycupungo
8. Buenaventura
9. Yurac Sisa
10. Esta Foto
11. Pogulo Tio
12. Huasha-Huasha
13. Cochaabamba
14. Toquirori
15. Borrachito

TOTAL TIME: 55 minutes