Pachamama

 

Pachamama. Performed by Flor Bromley. CD. Approx. 66 min. 8 Pound Gorilla Records. 2021. CD: $10; Digital: $9.99.  Ages 4—8

     Originally from Peru and now living in NYC, Bromley performs 11 original songs about “Mother Earth” and caring for the environment. In this excellent album, she performs in diverse musical styles, including Andean huayno, bachata from the Dominican Republic, tanuillo from Cadiz, Tex-Mex quebradita, tango, country/folk, and a Peruvian hip hop fusion. Her guest musicians include Laurie Berkner, Justin Lansing (Okee Dokee Brothers), SaulPaul, and Wendy Sulca and Miss Laurita, both popular Peruvian singer/entertainers. Background instrumentalists make beautiful music on guitar, banjo, violin, jarana, flute, pan flutes, accordion, drums, and percussion. Half of the album is in English (with some Quechua), then all of the songs are repeated in Spanish (with some Quechua). “Pachamama” is the Quechua term for “Mother Earth.” A “Drop of Water” changes shape and ultimately flows into the sea. “The Ocean” is open and wide and contains many different creatures. The “Mango’s Tango” was a dance to decide which mango would be king of the mangos. Two siblings argue about the “Peas and Carrots” for dinner, over which is better. The “Totora Horse” is actually a boat for a fisherman. “Mother Nature” gives us presents every day. “Ñusta Tika” teaches us to respect all creatures. In “Condor, Puma, Snake,” each gives its perspective of the earth from its own viewpoint. “Let’s Move It,” is a lively, bouncy, participatory tune encouraging listeners to move their bodies. “Luz” is sung in both English and Spanish and asks listeners to let their lights shine. The Spanish titles are “La Pachamama,” “Gota de Agua,” “El Océano,” “El Tango del Mango,” “Arvejitas y Zanahorias,” “Caballito de Totora,” “La Naturaleza,” “Princesa Tika,” “Cóndor, Puma, Serpiente,” and “Muévete.” A great album for budding environmentalists.

Website: www.florbromleymusic.com