"El Payandé" is a Clombian-Perúvian folk song describing the life and feelings of a black slave in Perú. The slave was born on the beach and now must wear chains and serve a cruel master. It is now a standard for the Perú Negro, but was ironically composed by a couple of upper class White Criollos (most of this info was taken from a book by Heidi Carolyn Feldman).
I'm disappointed that I do not know how to upload the version of this song that I would like to. Every year, the ethnomusicologist at ECU puts together a volunteer Afro-Andean ensemble and they perform a concert. In 2009, they performed this song. I thought it was VERY cool and it became a favorite of mine. Perhaps I'll get to share it with you all...?
Anyway, I found two versions that I particularly enjoyed -
the first is a rendition by Lucha Reyes (not to be confused with the Mexican singer of the same name):
she is to Perú what Édith Piaf is to France. Her life was brutal, tragic and short
(she was only 37 when she died of a combination of illness and drug abuse)...yes, one of those artists. She is still loved by many, though. And talk about an incredible voice...wow!
Now HERE's a real find: I would wager that this recording of the song is the earliest. It will be 100 years old this year! It's by the duo Montes y Manrique and is wonderful (their harmony is so tight)!!!
The duo was among (if not) the first folk singers of their country to be recorded. It seems that their lives are shrouded in mystery.
I took Spanish up through my junior year of high school. One day that year, our teacher played this song for us: "El Reloj Cucú" by Maná.
It's a sad but pretty song about a young boy who's father left the family for what seemed like no reason (or perhaps he died...guess it's open to interpretation).
Just to have three different songs, I'll throw this one in: "Put Your Lights On" by Santana and Everlast:
Anyone remember when the album from which this track is taken (Supernatural) SWEPT the Grammys in 2000? I'd call it one of the most eclectic rock albums ever.
Finally, I will just mention something that I find interesting: there is a Mexican deathgrind band (I won't include any of its music, it's far too obscene...in several ways) with what is, as far as I know, the longest name that a band has ever had...
PARACOCCIDIOIDOMICOSISPROCTITISSARCOMUCOSIS.
It's a combination of medical names of several diseases about which I don't care to ever think.
I really liked the version of "El Payandé" by Lucha Reyes. She has such a beautiful voice; it's a shame that she died so young. I also really liked "El Reloj-Cucu." I was really confused at the first couple seconds when the coo-coo clock played. I'm supposing that's where the "Cu-cu" in the name comes from. My favorite picture was of the little boy and the elephant. I wish I could speak Spanish, so the pictures made more sense. I cannot believe how long that band's name is. That's ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteWow. I have to agree with your taste and what Emma said about Lucha Reyes. Her voice is incredibly beautiful. I would put her up there with Ella Fitzgerald. I looked Lucha Reyes up online and found she is a Mexican mariachi singer. How cool!
ReplyDeleteOf course, no one can beat Santana. He is just amazing. His guitar licks are so sick! He is an amazing influence to the rock, jazz, guitar age in America. Sharing his mexican influences and integrating it with hard rock. Check out this clip from Woodstock:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xm03x_woodstock-1969-santana_music
I really like the Montes and Manrique recording; their harmony does sound really good. I also like Santana! I actually hadn't heard that song before, but it's a good song. We should talk rock at some point and maybe see how we could incorporate it into our classical training.
ReplyDeleteThat's quite a band name! I don't think I'd want to be their manager...
ReplyDeleteAnd the Peruvian recordings are great. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, I hit this one as well.
ReplyDelete