This is the most *essential* CD of Peruvian flute music which captures the mystery and magic of the ancient Incan culture. The German ensemble, Cusco, combines traditional rhythms of the Andes on various flutes along with synthesizers creating magical flights into this indigenous culture. My first introduction to Cusco was in the mid-1980s. Listening now, the sacred feelings initially invoked permeate my being each time I listen. In fact, whenever this music is played anywhere, I am filled with peace and contentment. The melodies and rhythms are timeless ... eternal. There is a sense of connection to the natural flow of Life ... I picture the verdant landscapes of the Andes, the flow of the Amazon river, riding the musical notes on the wings of the condor. The music on this CD is truly a sacred journey

Apurimac is Cusco's U.S. debut.This album introduced Cusco's trademark synthesizer sound to an American audience. While each Cusco album is different in its musical direction,each of them display the same,musical sound that is Cusco;heavy use of synthesizers,primarily as synthesized flutes,and full of melodic,high-energy,and dramatic music,with each of their albums covering a certain cultural and historic theme.Here on Apurimac,(the first of 3 in the Apurimac series)the music is focused on a ancient Incan theme,with a Peruvian influence,and full of simplistic,but melodic and enjoyable tunes. While the simplicity of the musical structure makes me subtract 1 star from the rating,it is the beauty and enjoyable experience of the album which saves the album and keeps me coming back to it time after time.The highlights on this album are "Apurimac","Flute Battle","Flying Condor","Fighting Inca",and "Apurimac 2",but the whole album is enjoyable,and none of the tracks are worthy of skipping. A promising U.S. debut for a then little-known group which has now become one of the most popular New Age groups in the world. Listen to this and their subsequent albums and you will see why.If you like this album,I also recommend you try their many other albums,but especially Apurimac 2 and Apurimac 3.They are even better than this album!In the meantime,give this album a listen and enjoy!