Critic's Review
Backroads Music/Heartbeats, All Music Guide
Huayucaltia (pronounced "Why-you-call-tee-ah") means unity and brotherhood in the Nahautl language of the Aztecs -- appropriate for this group whose six members come from several Central and South American countries, as well as the U.S.A. All of the compositions are original, but firmly based in South American folkloric tradition. Four are written by the master guitarist Ciro Hurtado, whose flamenco-tinged playing forms the core of the group's sound, beautifully enhanced by flutes, panpipes, charango, and an arsenal of Meso-American percussion. There are two stirring vocal cuts, sung in Spanish, adding the perfect touch to this passionate, graceful album.
