Mashicuna - Mashicuna (1980s)
"Folk music from the Andes" is the best description I find searching for information on this cassette, and I'm afraid I don't have much to add. J-card only has a band picture and track-listing. Later albums attributed to Mashicuna from 1986 onward indicate they play folk music from the Andes (specifically Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia), but with no indication on where the group is from specifically. Adding to the confusion, there seems to be a solo act by the name, as documented on youtube, and likewise "Mashicuna" is a track title on similar albums.
Only documented existence on this particular release was found here and I wonder if it was their debut, or least an early recording the group sold at performances overseas, specifically to the ever reliant niche of world music listeners in the U.S. and Europe.
This is lively tape, I like it even though it's probably, well, a Peruvian pan flute band. It's a bit compromised by the condition of the tape: stereo sounds iffy throughout, and side a kicks off with some wow-and-flutter. But playback is good in the middle and still very listenable, just weathered, something apt for bumpy road trip on the way to Machu Picchu.
Technical info
Label: Unknown; Catalog # "J-01" printed on spine
Case: Norelco
J-card: yellow paper, black and white ink
C-45, Type I
