BLACK Peruvian music may sound like one of those strange backwaters in world music, the sort of musical land into which only the more adventurous traveller ventures.
Yet Baca's music is accessible, lively and, at times, quite wonderful, combining shimmering melodies with slinky, hip-swaying rhythms. After years studying her country's music, and recording musicians in the field, Baca came to prominence thanks to David Byrne, who produced the 1995 album The Soul Of Black Peru, and later brought her on to his own Luaka Bop label.
This compilation features tracks from the albums Susana Baca and Eco de Sombras, alongside earlier compilations. The music moves from acoustic guitar stomps with a flamenco flourish, through Latin dance numbers such as Negra Presuntuosa to slow, soulful ballads.
Traditional music stands alongside modern mixes, with the jazzy makeover of La Noche Y El Dia working particularly well. A perfect introduction to the singer from Lima.
Updated: 08:40 Thursday, July 08, 2004
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