Los Jaivas-Alturas de Machu Pichu (1981)

Los Jaivas are the most internationally renowned Chilean band, having offered one of the most extraordinary blends of folk and progressive rock ever created. Formed in 1963 in Viña del Mar, their debut album, the self-titled "Los Jaivas", didn't arrive until 1971. On this album, they began exploring, with an improvisational approach, the fusion of folk flavors and psychedelic music. In 1973, the band emigrated to Argentina due to the military dictatorship that was imposed in Chile that year. There, they continued releasing hugely popular albums until 1977, when they finally moved to France. From then on, they gradually introduced more progressive elements into their folk music, and over time, Los Jaivas created an original and unique style. In 1981, they cemented their talent and creativity with their most acclaimed album; "Alturas de Machu Picchu" is a brilliant example of Peruvian/Chilean Latin folk, fused with classic progressive rock. Conceived while the band was living in Paris, the lyrics were taken from an evocative collection of poems by Pablo Neruda, inspired by the grandeur and mysterious beauty of the Machu Picchu ruins. Here, the group conveys a range of emotions, from dramatic to melancholic, encompassing sadness, exaltation, and joy. With a spacious and ethereal sound, this album manages to emulate the Andean atmosphere, somehow transporting the listener to that magical place. Traditional Andean instruments (ocarina, flute, siku, and quena) and more modern ones (electric guitars, synthesizers, electric pianos, and drums) create a mystical and somewhat sinister atmosphere, yet simultaneously, there are festive passages brimming with life and joy. Powerful, epic, and progressive tracks like "La poderosa Muerte" (The Mighty Death), "Águila Sideral" (Sidereal Eagle), and "Antigua América" ​​(Ancient America) share the repertoire with other, purely folk-like songs such as "Amor Americano" (American Love) and "Súbete a Nacer conmigo, Hermano" (Get on Board to Be Born with Me, Brother). "Alturas de Machu Picchu" (Heights of Machu Picchu) is a profoundly emotional album, steeped in legend and history, a perfect fusion of the old and the new, of the past and the present.