Perceptive Travel World Music Reviews

Perceptive Travel World Music Reviews

March 2009

By Laurence Mitchell

In this issue: A tone poem from Norway, Andean music from Colombia, a dance music from Mali, a Klezmatics best-of, and...Afro-Polish?!


Musica Colombiana Andina
Niyireth Alarcón
We say: Andean music from southern Colombia, no poncho required

This new release from the UK–based Arc Music label showcases the talents of Colombian Niyireth Alarcón, a professionally trained singer with a pure honeyed tone. Alarcón has been performing and winning awards in her native Colombia for over 15 years and recording for the past ten, although this is her first major international release.

While this is authentic Andean music, those expecting trilling pan–pipes and bomba–thumping along the lines of "El Condor Pasa" may be disappointed as this collection contains a wide range of styles from southern Colombia, none of which seem to require the compulsory wearing of a poncho. The songs, which also steer well clear of the familiar vallenata and salsa rhythms we tend to associate with Colombia, instead showcase lesser known styles like bambuco, which has its distant roots in Africa, the waltz–time pasillo, and danza, an Andean folk rhythm related to Cuban habanera. The single exception to this is the inclusion of an Andean huayno, "Ojos de cielo", as a closing track, which will be more familiar territory to those of the pan–pipe persuasion.

The songs deal with mestiza daily life in the Huila Department region of southern Colombia that Alarcón calls home. Songs like "Mi tierra del Huila" and "Bésame Morenita" are anthems to beautiful women and gorgeous landscapes, while others, like "Alpargatas de mi tierra", praise indigenous culture and achievement.

The musical accompaniment, which shows a relaxed virtuosity, is performed on guitar, bass and traditional stringed instruments that include charango, the 12–string tiple and 16–string bandolo. Quena flute and traditional percussion complete the line–up. Alarcón's voice is warm and emotive throughout, her classical training demonstrating excellent technique while remaining homespun and true to it roots.

Fuente: http://www.perceptivetravel.com/issues/0309/music.html