Various artists - Andina, the Sound of the Peruvian Andes 1968-1978

The Guardian 60

(Tiger’s Milk/Strut Records)

The 1960s was a time of musical upheaval and experiment in Latin America as well as in the west. In Brazil there was tropicalia, while in Peru bands pioneered Peruvian cumbia, mixing Colombian dance styles with huayno rhythms from the Andes, often adding in African Peruvian influences, or rock. The first of a three-part series from this exuberant era, compiled in part by the Peruvian DJ and restaurateur Martin Morales, this album concentrates on music from the mountains. But there are no pan pipes. It starts with the cheerfully stomping La Chichera, a major 60s hit for Los Demonios del Mantaro, and moves on to twanging guitar instrumentals and slinky dance workouts. Then there are brassy big band tracks, including a charming, gently swinging tribute to the mountains from Alicia Maguiña, and traditional harp-backed songs in Quechua, the ancient language of the Incas. Enormous fun – though better sleeve notes would have helped.