ANGEL PARRA

CORAZÓN DES ANDES

With his new album the virtuoso returns to the basics...

The Chilean Master - "Officier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres" in 1988 - is back!

Angel Parra is perhaps one of the most outstanding figures in the cultural, artistic and political life of Chile. His songs - which have achieved international recognition and elevated him to 'cult status', have also had an impact on many generations of South American youth. Unable to remain in Chile after the right-wing "coup" that toppled President Salvador Allende in 1973, Angel left his homeland and settled in France. He carried with him the diverse musical traditions of his native region to a dedicated global audience.

Son of the legendary Violeta Parra, close friend of the late Victor Jarra, he started his career with a revolutionary repertoire filled with socio-political lyrics that addressed human rights with an undying optimism.

Renowned for his vocal and instrumental virtuosity, this untiring survivor presents today "Corazón des Andes" a finely textured collection of andean songs (full of longing, sadness and joy!) that will transport you to the very heart of a vast, colourful and still largely unexplored continent.

On this album, Angel explores not only the music of his homeland of Chile, but also the native cultures of Mexico "Fallaste Corazón ", Ecuador "Vasija de Barro " and several other Latin American countries...

Anyone who listens to this recording cannot fail to be impressed with the musical precision, energy and emotion captured on this outstanding collection.

Traditional flutes (quenas, zampoñas), native percussion (bombo, congas) and indigenous guitars (charango, guitarron) all enhance this delicious change of scenery to our jaded musical palate.

So, let your heart try another rhythm: the rhythm of mountains, of tradition and of a truly unique troubadour that cannot fail to bring joy to anyone lucky enough to hear him!

14 andean songs, 14 heartbeats. A breath of fresh air, sparkling as spring snow, under a clear blue sky where the condors hover

"Angel Parra: a lyricist for the world".

LE NOUVEL OBSERVATEUR

"With a throaty and wounded voice, Angel Parra offers a ' saudade ' from the antipodes".

LIBERATION

"Angel Parra is an essential ambassador whenever we mention south-american music".

REPERTOIRE

"One of the greatest voices in World Music".

CHORUS

"You will feel the Chilean soul in all it's beauty and depth".

ARRIBA LATINO'S

Angel Parra Chile's "enfant terrible" & Regine Deforges -high priestess of french erotic literature-collaborate on this astounding and rather unexpected project!!

The history of the bolero goes back over a century to its roots, probably in Cuba where, in 1886, Jose 'Pepe' Sanchez composed the first known bolero, "Tristezas", in Santiago de Cuba. From there the bolero made its way to Latin America and to Mexico, where it found some of its greatest writers, including Augustin Lara, Roberto Cantoral, Alvaro Carrillo & Carlos Arturo Briz. Brilliantly performed by 'latino' interprets, it came later to North America and Europe, influencing popular music of the day and even the Silver Screen.

ANGEL PARRA (son of legend VIOLETA PARRA... and breathtaking guitarist-composer-singer from Chile) recorded in 1994 that exciting collection of bolero standards. That gifted and prolific interpret has released more than 50 albums... exploring the roots of traditional latin music or taking his social and political consciousness to a personal musical level that can be called today "Chilean New Song Movement" (which began in the mid-1960's). So it was logical for him, after long years of fighting with his guitar and lyrics, to take a little break by recording a quieter material. The choice has been made easily. From Cuba comes some of the freshest, most vital and essential music on the American continent. Singing some boleros represents a return to the Latin tradition... and a very romantic and artistic interlude !

There are plenty of classics on that new CD : "La barca", "Contigo en la distancia", "Sabor a mí", "Historia de un amor", "Encadenados"... ANGEL PARRA's superb interpretation of that almost traditional repertoire will bring him - we're convinced -, the aficionados and the purist's respect. Hear him capturing the essence of the bolero ! No limits are set to the emotions involved !