Illapu is a band that formed in 1971 in the northern Chilean city of Antofagasta. Their (so appropriate) name comes from the Quechua word meaning “Lightning Bolt”, and when you hear their music, you will no doubt feel like you have been struck with beams of joy!!
A year after getting together, the group decided to move to Santiago de Chile in search of more performance and recording opportunities – not long after they recorded their first album, Música Andina, on a label called DICAP. In 1973 they performed for the first time at the Festival Internacional de la Canción de Viña del Mar, and it wasn’t long before their fan-base started to gather. Their innovative stage presence was gaining attention from music critics and general public alike! As their sound began to develop, they were becoming known as a driving element in the Nueva Canción Chilena (“New Chilean Song”) movement and had the facility and means to stand out as artists during the government of Salvador Allende!
Released in the mid-1970’s, the notorious Mexican theme El cascabel is a ‘son jarocho from Veracruz’ ( a regional folk musical style of Mexican Son from Veracruz), rescued by Illapu on their way through Mexico. The arrangements were assembled by Roberto Marquez (the band’s founding member/ guitarist/ charango/ timple/ zanfoña/vocalist) to adapt it to the instruments and musicality of Illapu.
Their take on this traditional tune saved it from the jaws of obscurity, throwing into the realms of popular music, so that the likes of you and me can savour its sonic riches nearly forty years later…and beyond!! Their rousing vocal layers are so revitalising, it’s like taking a cold shower on a hot day!!..It just makes me beam!! Enjoy!
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