Altiplano

The Altiplano Andino (Andean High Plain) is talismanic in the countries that are its main home: Bolivia and Peru. Those raised in Lima or the sultry lowlands, including Peruvian guitarist Ciro Hurtado, make trips up to the thin air and huge skies of the arid heights to commune with their indigenous brothers and sisters who, in turn, speak to their ancestors through ancient instruments like the quena (end-blown flute) and siku (also zampoña) panpipes. The latter, as heard on the UK high street, and over-familiar standards such as ‘El Condor Pasa’, have eroded the brand of Andean music internationally.

Hurtado, who has been based in the US for two decades, has been acclaimed by critics for writing original songs – he was nominated for a Latin Grammy for 2014's Ayahuasca Dreams – and his intricate but strident style of goes some way towards restoring the credibility and creative vigour of his native music. With Altiplano, his 11th release, his classically inflected guitar usually takes the lead, interchanging with charango, backed by thumping bombos, as well as cajón and chajchas (a rattle made from goat's hooves). But when the pipes appear they cannot but dominate the sound and spirit, suggesting mountain winds, herders' calls, hard mountain rock and empt valleys. Inspired meditative instrumentals are punctuated by a couple of gutsy songs.