Yma Sumac was a Peruvian soprano with an astonishing five-octave vocal range, and in the early 1950’s she was nothing short of a phenomenon– she reshaped the landscape of world music in the mid-20th century, bringing her talent to the masses, and her debut album Voice of the Xtabay sold over a million records in the calendar year alone. The album showcased her incredibly voice that seamlessly soared from guttural lows to bird-like highs, blending traditional Andean melodies with lush orchestral arrangements along the way, and possessed a somewhat exotic mystique that brought international attention to Peruvian music in the years that followed. This is one of those albums that is so unique it’s gonna sit in your brain for a good long while after you hear it.
Standout Songs: “Taita Inty”, “Ataypura!”, “Tumpa!”
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