Cumbia Y Mas

Last summer in Iquitos I saw a poster for an Explosion de Iquitos show, we went and it was so awesome! BUTTS everywhere, seriously. Have you ever had a stranger's butt 2 inches from your face and not been ashamed? I have. That's not the point though. The point is that was my introduction to the jungle's music, a tuneful synthesis of standard cumbias, deranged surf guitars, corkscrew melodies, and so much sweat. The reason I haven't written about it yet is because from that moment I have been constantly overwhelmed by the treasure trove- everytime I think I'm ready something else comes out of nowhere! Huayno music! Princesita Mily!! Juaneco Y Su Combo!!! Munequita Sally! Please go on this YouTube tour. How else is one to express the joy of seeing someone who is named "Little Doll Sally" alongside the happiest dancing harpist singing lecturing and finger-wagging couples into living together. How else will you understand the tragedy that is her premature car death?? Did you know that a child in Belen told me Peruvian cumbia musicians are cursed by the black magic of jealous foreign musicians?

Now we have the fantastic Roots of Chicha compilation to obsess over. Also, In fact, this post isn't even ABOUT Peruvian music...it's about this crazy old S. American cumbia world that has been kind enough to show itself to us. Mainly this post is to celebrate the AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME cumbia mix that Alvaro put together. Wow this is a mighty manic introduction please make friends at your own pace! Deja que la magia ocurre!

Alvaro Villanueva- Cumbia Y Mas