Biography
Inca Son's music comes straight from the group's Peruvian Andean homeland. The musical legacy of the Andes is centuries-old, and passed down from one generation to the next. Inca Son (meaning "Sound of the Inca") is one of the few groups keeping this uniquely beautiful sound going. In the words of Keith Lockhart, Conductor of the Boston Pops, with whom Inca Son played in Symphony Hall: "They have become indispensable cultural ambassadors of a nearly lost South American tradition."
Inca Son's music is distinguished by the pervasive sound of the "Sikus" or panpipes. This instrument, in the hands of lead musician Cesar Villalobos, ranges from lively and happy to plaintive and haunting, assuming at times the sound of the wind, at other times the sound of a bird in flight.
Inca Son is a treat for ears and eyes. Dressed in the beautiful costumes of the Andes, the band carries its listener off to their mountain homeland with every song or story they tell.
Having started out on the streets of Harvard Square, Cambridge, almost twenty years ago, Inca Son has played on some of the greatest stages around the world, including across the United States, Canada, Latin America, and Europe. They've entertained at the Salt Lake City Olympics; for throngs at soccer's World Cup; and played before ex-Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Their main mission is really to keep alive their Inca legacy, and as such they delight in performing for children of all ages, and passing their legacy on to the next generation, of countries around the world.
"Their sweet, airy Peruvian melodies can (move a listener to tears)... And in person, replete with brightly colored feathered costumes... Inca Son is a sight to behold." (Bob Young, Boston Herald, 2004)
Latest news!! Inca Son, recipient of a 2007 Independent Music Award, has been nominated again for a 2008 award for the song "El Abuelito" (The Grandfather). The group also won the 2007 "Champions of Art Education" (Music Category) for the state of Massachusetts.
Instrumentation
Cesar Villalobos: Founder and Artistic Director, composer and arranger of Inca Son's music, plays "sikus" (panflutes), percussion, and lead vocals.
Santos Alva: guitar
Martin del Rio: panflutes and "quena" (Andean bamboo flute)
Victor Espino: charango (Andean 10- stringed guitar)
Discography
Inca Son has released 11 CD's to date:
Vol. 1: Ascope, Tierra del Amanecer (Ascope, Land of the Dawn)
Vol. 2: Vamos a mi Tierra (Let's Go to my Land)
Vol. 3: Canto a la Libertad (Song to Freedom)
Vol. 4: Mi Cambio (My Change) instrumentals
Vol. 5: Paz en la Tierra (Peace on Earth)
Vol. 6: Romance Magico (Magical Romance) instrumentals
Vol. 7: Miskiñawi
Vol. 8: Cuando el Cielo Llora (When the Heavens Cry) instrumentals
Vol. 9: Espíritu Libre (Free Spirit) instrumentals
Vol. 10: El Regreso del Inca (Return of the Inca)
Vol. 11: Paraíso (Paradise) instrumentals
Vol. 12: Live at the Sanders Theatre, Harvard University
Links
| http://www.incason.com |