Canadian music fans are indeed fortunate. With a national culture that embraces cultural diversity, we are continually treated to the musical traditions of citizens who have moved to Canada from other countries. And, inevitably, native-born Canadians join forces with newly-arrived Canadians to form musical collaborations. Ancient Cultures is such a collaboration--a group that plays Latin American folk music.

Ancient Cultures, based in Vancouver, is composed of a mixed group of musicians. Alberto San Martin, Carlos Cortes, and Angel Araos come from Chile, but their musical roots are in jazz, folk, and classical music respectively. Fito Garcia comes from Guatemala and arranges and plays salsa music. Edward Henderson is from Vancouver Island where he grew up playing folk and classical music. Carlos Galindo Leal is from Mexico and has many years experience playing Spanish and Latin American music. Their debut album, Acoustic Mirage/Espejismo Acustico, combines their musical backgrounds into a deft, understated, weave of Latin American music. It is a beautiful, introspective offering. By their second album, El Camino Real, the group achieves full maturity. Awarded a Juno in 1994 as "Best World Beat Recording," the album displays more creative energy and a clearer sense of direction. This is a fine, sure album that should be on playlist of anyone who loves Latin American music. And for those who like Christmas albums with a twist, The Miracle of Christmas, which features the Vancouver Chamber Choir along with the Latin American folk instruments, is an album that is irresistible.

Acoustic Mirage / Espejismo Acustico
1992 Invincible (INVCD150)

Ventolera; Vibrations; In the Beginning/Cochabamba/Santa Cruz; The Weavers/The Water Is On; Berlin Colony; The Dream Elsewhere; Clearcut; Sustainable; Song for a Princess; Pampa Lirima; Susurro; Inner Waves; Estudio Para Zampoña; La Partida; Shattered Dreams; ĦAy! ĦAy! ĦAy! 46:22

El Camino Real *
1993 Invincible (INVCD057)

El Camino Real; Jungle Beat; Dolencias; Andean Dance in G Minor; Rio Apurimac; Persecucion de Pancho Villa; Estudio Para Charango; Serenade; La Guacamaya; Solitude; Jachauru; Ramis; Mama Chilindra; Juan Jose; Sencillo; Tinku; El Condor Pasa 51:03

The Miracle of Christmas
1994 GRD (GRDCD060)

We Three Kings; Deck the Hall/Christmas Bells in Summer; Angels We Have Heard on High; Reyes Morenos; O Holy Night; What Child Is This; Patapan; Bolivian Carol; Ring Christmas Bells; A la Nanita Nana; Los Reyes de Oriente; Niño Lindol; Away in a Manger; Pascua Linda; The Huron Carol; Silent Night 49:03