There is a band that plays daily in Old Town Albuquerque; they are called Amauta.
Originally from Ecuador, they formed the group in 1990 with the mission of preserving and promoting Ecuadorean and Latin American folkloric music. The word "amauta" is a native Quechua word that means instructor or teacher. "Our motto is the people that do not keep their customs and traditions do not know their history nor their destiny."
I've stopped to listen to them play on several occasions, totally drawn in by the sound of the flutes and panpipes, which they have in an amazing assortment of sizes. One member of the band also plays guitar and I noticed the plain strap he was wearing. One day, I decided to ask if he would be interested in trading CD's for a new guitar strap. He said yes!
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| At left is Hernan Rubio with his new strap and at right, Arturo Salazar with the pan pipes. Carlos Noboa was not around when I took the photo, but is the third member of this trio. |
Hernan told me that his favorite color is green. In my last blog post, I showed several green straps that I wove in order to give him choices. I think he chose the best one.
I'm super happy with the trade and have been listening to their music all week.
They have recorded a mix of traditional South American music, along with versions of popular songs from artists we all know and love.
I think their version of the Beatles "Let it Be" is very pretty.
This album cover inspired a new pattern. (The strap is for sale here in my Etsy shop:
Just to give you a little taste of their music, I'll share this video taken in Old Town by one of the many tourists who, like me, have been mesmerized by the music and stopped to sit a spell and listen.
Or check them out here on MySpace: https://myspace.com/amautaecu
I listened to Amauta's music and it is wonderful. It has been a long time since I heard similar playing. Do you know how a person can purchase their CD's? I couldn't find a spot on their web page. Colleen
ReplyDeleteColleen, I'm happy that you like it. I sent them an email today asking if they sell their CD's online. If not, I see them on a fairly regular basis and could make a purchase for you and mail it. I'll let you know!
DeleteI love this music--I've always loved pan pipes. I'd like to get a CD, too.
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so glad that I shared this and found some others who enjoy the music, too. I'll let you know when I find out the best way to purchase. Stay tuned!
DeleteThanks Annie
ReplyDeleteColleen
I listened to amauta when they played a outdoor concert. in the centre of Weston supermare uk. either 2010 or 2011.
ReplyDeleteI bought some of their cds.
lost my copy of panpipe music fromm south America,
id love to be ablev to buy it again, also all other cds theve made.
I'm happy to pay postal charges from the usa, as well as the cost of the discs themselves.
if you can get a email address them as well that would be wonderfull
regards
bernard tarmey
Birmingham England
bernard.tarmey@gmail.com
Bernard, I have their business card and it gives the following address: amautafolklor@hotmail.com. I hope you can connect with them and replace the lost cd's.
DeleteMy wife and I stopped in Old Town while visiting family in ABQ recently. Listening to them was awesome. Bought the Magic Land CD. This stuff is great. We have heard several groups play this type music but these guys are the best...maybe it was Old Town.
ReplyDeleteGlad that you had a good time in Old Town. I like to go there on days when I can hang around, enjoy the ambiance, sit in the grass and listen to the flute music! Happy Travels!
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