Search - Nonesuch Explorer Series :: Explorer: Peru - Kingdom of the Sun Inca Heritage

Highly Recommended

Therion | Philadelphia, PA | 01/30/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am writing this review with the sole purpose of being helpful-- I would wish it to be written.



As a collector of the explorer series, as well as a fan of insightful, honest reviews, I give Peru - Kingdom of the Sun a full five stars. My judgement is based on the quality of the music, which is both familiar and exotic, the quality of recording, which is subtle and warmly dated, and the character of the liner notes, which distinguishes itself among other explorer series recordings. The liner notes were particularly interesting in the way David Lewiston described his adventure mingling within the Peruvian culture--- not much of a drinker himself, but so strongly encouraged to drink that he passed out during two recording sessions and left the microphones to a local musician! (the recording sounds just fine, don't worry!)



The harp playing is intoxicating, which gorgeous moments of epiphany and some of the most spiritual phrasing I've heard. Track 3 is a real treat, with a virgin voice exposing itself in one of this record's most moving songs:

"The daughter was always around while we were recording, but she wouldn't participate. I asked her father why. He explained that when she was small she had a really sweet voice, but the nuns told her it was a sin to sing, so she stopped. I told him in no uncertain terms what I thought of such 'religious barbarism' and together we prompted the girl to sing. What came out was a voice harsh from disuse but full of spirit."



If you are a curious and soulful listener of music, this CD is bound to fulfill some part of what you are looking for."