Peña (Secret Stash Records , 2010)
Peña is an exploration of Afro-Peruvian music. American guitarist Cory Wong and Eric Foss, co-owners of Minneapolis-based Secret Stash Records were fascinated by Afro-Peruvian music. In April of 2010, Wong and Foss realized their dream of traveling to Lima, Peru. With the help of an interpreter they assembled Peña, an Afro-Peruvian ensemble featuring a handful of the best Afro-Peruvian musicians.
This is not a recording of Peruvian musicians exclusively performing their own music, but rather a collaboration between Wong’s guitar and various Peruvian and non-Peruvian vocalists, percussionists, bass players and guitarists. The track selection includes vocal as well as instrumental pieces that cover the entire range of Peruvian music, from Afro-Peruvian beats to passionate folk pieces with Andean and Spanish influences.
Guest musicians include U.S.-based Argentine vocalist Sofia Rei Koutsovitis (vocals), Eric Kurimski (guitar), Jorge Roeder (upright bass) and Jorge “Coqui” Perez-Albela (cajon).
The Peña project includes a CD and a DVD documentary inside a beautiful wooden box.
Peña is a dynamic mix of Afro-Peruvian melodic passion and infectious energy.
Buy the album: Peña
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
heard this on the radio thisweek and it haunts me in a wonderful way, like the love of a friend.