Quetzalcóatl

May 30 - June 6, 1 9 9 6

**** Quetzalcóatl

QUETZALCÓATL

(Luna Blanca)

Most Latino folk ensembles specialize in one style: Mexican mariachis, sones from Cuba, the cowboy songs of the pampas. Quetzalcóatl take them all on, and more. From Mexico, they offer the chilena "Pinotepa," with smooth Chilean guitars meeting subdued African rhythms to boast the beauty of the coastal town the song is named for. In sharp contrast is "La Iguana," the Veracruz jarocho, which has retained the "rudeness" that is its namesake. Call-and-response vocal delivery, with yelps and hoots thrown in for good measure, is layered against the brisk melodies of a jarana guitar and harp.

Cuba's Afro-Latin blend is represented by the sones "Sabor a Caney" and "Son de la Loma," its distinctive rhythms driven by bongos and trés guitar. The love song "Amoroso Guajira" has a lush trés melody and Alfredo López's delicate tenor rolling like waves across a silky beach. The Venezuelan selections are among the most innocent and relaxed. The harp, cuatro guitar, and light maracas lend a fanciful air to "La Vaca Mariposa (The Butterfly Cow)," which is actually a dark song about veal calves that will be sold at market. The CD includes a 32-page booklet of lyrics (in Spanish and English) and plenty of annotation and history, making the whole package a fine Latino music primer.

-- Liz Rourke