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12/20/00 - Review: Mauricio Amaya "Fields of War and Peace" by Erik Voss

In 1983 civil war ravage El Salvador as Mauricio Amaya was one of lucky to escape and start a new life in the US. Legions of Americans protested our illegal involvement in El Salvador and the horrific human rights abuses being inflicted on innocent civilians. Here in the US the sanctuary movement helped refuges escape and sheltered them and was itself a target of the US government making it hard to believe we lived in a free country. These were difficult times.

With this album he returns a gift to his country and all citizens that have suffered. While having found a new home in Atlanta, Mauricio is certainly filled with "saudade"(a longing) for his homeland. This is a collection of moving songs that convey what suffering is and yet is a celebration of life and the everlasting hope for peace and justice. Mauricio has created a beautiful CD which is mostly of his own compositions. Those he did not write are masterful interpretations of folk tunes from the lands of his traditions.

"When you realize that you have enemies and that there are people who want to hurt you, you learn to appreciate and recognize your true friends. When you are surrounded by so much hate, you comprehend the infallible purpose of love. When you have seen so much death, you understand the incomparable value of life." - Mauricio Amaya from "Fields of War and Peace" (inside cover)

Most songs are filled with the transcending, soaring sounds of pan pipes and a small guitar called a "charango" ... much of it Andean style music most would call it. Mauricio becomes an international artist taking the best of various Central American and Andean influences with his music combining styles creating a masterful blend that pleases the mind and soul. Masterfully recorded, engineered, mixed, and mastered, Fields of War and Peace present a artistic expression of the truth - a treasure to be enjoyed year round.

Invoking a spirit of hope, joy, and many other rich sentiments, Mauricio's CD has in one moment become my own personal favorite CD. File it under Peruvian/Andean and Latin music collection ... a wonderfully soothing and reinvigorating work ... and a great gift..

I'll give it Five Stars ***** out of five!