Ah, the pipes, the pipes are calling, but in this case it's the pan pipes, or zampona, of Bolivia. But thankfully this isn't the twee version heard in so many places, but very authentic folk music. The Indians had no string instruments until the arrival of the Spanish, so it's natural that the album should feature percussion and blown instruments, the zampona, as well as the pinkillo, tarka, and kena flutes (the kena is played by Lucho Cavour), with the plucked charango and guitar adding to, rather than dominating, the sound. Although decidedly folkloric, and with some delicious, airy melodies, only two of the pieces ("Virgines del Sol" and "Carnaval Arequipeno") are actually traditional. However, most of the others, in spite of being more modern, are certainly tempered by the sensibility of history -- unfortunately, there's precious little information on the styles and influences of the music, which would have been useful. Cavour, as the lead, is also the standout musician. While, in pre-Spanish days, the music would have been purely instrumental, much of this is vocal, often celebratory, and a delightful change from the usual diet of Andean music that's available, offering a deeper insight into the real native culture. ~ Chris Nickson