Chiselled in Stone
Papalote
Larrikin Entertainment
Reviewed by Jorge Jorquera

This is a fantastic mix of Latin tunes and rhythms, in songs both original and traditional.

Papalote takes its name from a song about a kite-maker by the famed Cuban musician Silvio Rodriguez. The image of the free-flying kite is evoked by some of the more traditional-style songs in this CD.

In the guitar sounds of Ricardo Andino's “Aurora de las Hamacas” and Jose Barroso's “Blue Wings”, you can feel the influence of the Andes music of the New Song Movement. A reminder of the Inti Illimani sound rings through a number of the songs, including the Inti mix of Latin and classical guitar.

But Chiselled in Stone is not just Latin folkloric music. It's also the sounds of rumbas and Central American dance and festive music. Papalote's particular mix of the classic “Guajira Guantanamera” comes to mind, done with Papalote's unique collection of musical instruments. Their ability to use a wide variety of instruments also impresses in the last tune on the CD, “The Forest”, with the use of a number of improvised environmental instruments.

Papalote reflect the richness of culture that the Latin American community have added to Australia. This CD celebrates the group's 13th year as Latin American ambassadors. Long may their panpipes, drums and songs be heard.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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