Album Notes

CONTEMPORARY PERUVIAN MUSIC
NEW CRIOLLISMO, MÚSICA CRIOLLA, ANDINA, NEGRA & JAZZ LATINO

2003 LATIN GRAMMY NOMINEE FOR BEST FOLK ALBUM

Los Hijos del Sol represents a conglomerate all-star cast of Peruvian musicians reunited with the purpose of refreshing and promoting Peruvian music for the world. Led by Alex Acuña and Eva Ayllón, the musicians expanded the tradition of "música criolla" by incorporating unconventional instruments with more sophisticated arrangements.

The original recordings and the subsequent live performances of Los Hijos del Sol established a landmark in the history of Peruvian music. The project lasted for several years, as Peruvian musicians from all corners of the world returned to Peru periodically to perform and record, consequentially transforming the music scene in Peru.

For the first time, this production is available for the world. The 2002 release "To My Country" offers a tour through Peru's musical regions. The CD includes contemporary interpretations of traditional Peruvian Festejos, Vals, Landos, Huaynos, Salsa and Jazz Latino with special performances by Justo Almario, Paquito D'Rivera, Wayne Shorter and Ernie Watts.

Guided by Los Hijos del Sol, Peruvian music returns to the international stage to offer a new fountain of creativity for the world to enjoy. Voted one of the top 10 Latin albums of 2002 by The Los Angeles Times!

Born in Peru to a family of musicians Alex Acuña, as a teenager, was already one of Peru's most accomplished session drummers. At 18, he joined the great Perez Prado's big band. He later played with such diverse luminaries as Elvis Presley and Diana Ross, until he joined the groundbreaking jazz group Weather Report. Since moving to Los Angeles in 1978, he recorded with countless artists including Joni Mitchell, Whitney Houston, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hanckock. In 2000, Alex Acuña was nominated for a Grammy in the "Best Traditional Tropical Latin" category for the album "Alex Acuña y Su Acuarela de Tambores - Rhythms for a New Millenium." It is his South American roots, long time association with Caribbean genres, and his deep understanding of all genres of contemporary music, which make him one of the most accomplished and well-rounded musicians.

One of the most important interpreters of Peruvian music, Eva Ayllón began to sing at the age of three, under her grandmother's tutelage. Within years she was singing at youth competitions and later on television and radio. During that time, she also developed herself as a leading exponent of "musica criolla". Her Peruvian discography counts more than 20 records and she recently received her 8th award for achieving double platinum status in Peru. Eva is the queen of Peru's Black music legacy.

MUSICIANS:
Alex Acuña - Drums & Percussion
Regina Acuña - Vocals
Eduardo Arbe - Piano
Eva Ayllón - Vocals
Miguel Figueroa - Piano
Lucho Gonzalez - Guitar
Ricardo "Tiki" Pasillas - Percussion
Oscar Stagnaro - Bass
Ramon Stagnaro - Lead Guitar

AND SPECIAL GUEST STARS:
Justo Almario, Paquito D'Rivera, Wayne Shorter, Ernie Watts.

Visit www.loshijosdelsol.com or www.alexacuna.net for more information or to purchase CD.