"The Ultimate Yma Sumac Collection"
Yma Sumac, 2000
Some
may argue that Martin Denny or
Les
Baxter were the heart and soul behind the exotica craze of the
1950's, but when you look at it, no one can compare to Yma Sumac
and her five-octave range. Her voice invokes a primitive South American
paradise--at one moment it can soar over theAndes Mountains, and the next
it can take you underneath the Amazon River. Sumac, a true-to-life
Incan princess, was discovered in the mountain of Peru by musicologist,
and future husband, Moises Vivanco. When she came to the
United States, she was immediate success. Her first album, "Voice of the
Xtabay" (released as a 10 inch in 1950) became required listening on hi-fi's
the world over. Even today, you have not earned your hipster stripes unless
you have that original 10 inch as well as the 12 inch record which combines
"Voice
of the Xtabay" with her second release
"Inca Taqui--Chants
of the Incans." Sumac's talents have won praise with classical
and popular music fans alike. She has performed Peruvian folk tunes with
the Bolshoi Symphony Orchestra as well as performed mambos
with the Billy May Orchestra. She was able to give exotica
the creditability it sorely needed. Bird sounds and jungle drums are nice,
but easily dismissed as a goofy novelty unless you have the actual talent
to infuse the music with a sense of authenticity.
Sumac had
that in spades. "The Ultimate Yma Sumac Collection" gathers
up 21 tracks spanning the vast range of styles she performed during her
career. From folk song to pop song, you can't help but get caught up in
the mystery and exotic-ness of her multi-octave voice.
Buy this album from
Hi-Fi Archives>>>
