Espíritu by Andrew Baker

All Compositions and arrangements by Andrew Baker.

Produced by Andrew Baker.

Espíritu is a record that reflects back on Bakers time spent in Scotland and Peru. It tries to communicate a sincere search for lyricism and to document a very personal journey under taken in the last 4 years. Bakers unorthodox upbringing meant he, although British, grew up in the "Altiplano Andino" and the sprawling metropolis of Lima. This exposure giving him deep peruvian roots he rediscovers in songs like Colores and Lu.

Colores, intended for singer and folklorist Susana Baca, it works as a prayer or "plegaria" to mother nature. It features the great vocal talents of Lorena Blume and Dana Summers, both native Peruvian songstress' making waves in the South American singer/song writer scene. Written by Baker on the charango sitting on a hill overlooking the city of Juliaca, with an infectious backbeat steaming from the deep Saya folk tradition prevalent in this part of the Andes, the song it celebrates the healing nature of Mother Nature.

Lu draws its inspiration from his time spent in El Carmen, Chincha on the Peruvian coast hanging out with the Ballumbrosio family and watching the children and adults display their talent at the traditional "zapateo" (Afro-Peruvian tap dance) in the town square as well as a Christmas Day experiencing the "Atajo de Negritos". Lu features in demand percussionist Edu Campos (Eva Ayllón) on zapateo, cajon, quijada y cajita. The fantastic, hungry and very cheeky bass playing of Mario Cuba (Ari Hoenig) give a deeply playfull and festive feel. Also present is Veteran Champion of Afro-Peruvian music Juan Medrano "Cotito" (Novalima, Susana Baca). Rich charisma and whit shine through in Cotito's "Guapeo" (ad-lib vocal) on Lu bringing and authentic "Criollo" charm to an Afro-Peruvian inspired tune that draws on subtle scottish folk sonorities and marries them to an authentic Festejo-Lando hybrid.

North the opener for the record draws its inspiration from bike rides in the Scottish country side as does Seeker. Up coming sax star Rafael "Fusa" Miranda (Henry Cole) features on a great solo at the songs end. Master drummer and percussionist based in Chicago, Juan Daniel Pastor (Miguel Zenón) brings the authentic peruvian swing and colour to these tunes playing cajon and congas in perfect tandom to the fantastic drummer and educator Ken Ychicawa (John Scofield) who features on the drum kit.

Por Ella strives to uplift the listener as it marches on at a slow funeral pace reflecting the pitfalls of love lost and infatuation. Multifacetic Francisco Haya features with a elegant Piano solo floating over the changes seamlessly. Baker and (Lima's finest) Lorena Blume backing him up until the soprano solo, Baker muses on as Juan Daniel Pastor gambols underneath with some heavy shamanic chak-cha (seed shaker) and tibetan cymbal outbursts.

Flota Sobre Mi features the very talented Danna Summers singing in unison with saxes. The tune reflects on a simple hopeful motif in 7/8 and flirts between light and darkness, the solo changes submerging into the darkness and then breaking out into the light with the melody. This tune reflects Bakers experience with Ayahuasca. An encouter in the jungle which left a intense desire for light and life.

Immense thank you and gratitude go to everyone who helped produce this record. Family and friends, all the musicians, technicians and artists involved, Marcela Carpio, Delfus Bar, El Paradero Cultura, ICPNA, Theatro Britanico, Dedalo Barranco, Tauro Produciones, Assosacion de Jazz de Lima, Galletas Doña Anita, Trio Dulce, Mañuco Sanches, Andrés Prado, Ana Paula de Milo (for her poetry), Camilo Angeles (por tus cymbols & chimes, que rica textura!) Juan Pablo Egusquiza (for your diseñazos y arte), Brian Schwab (amazing mixing and generosity), Diego Acosta (your invaluable patience and expertise), Guayre, Cedric/Nick & all my swiss family, Luis Alvarado (Buh Records), Adam Jackson, Philip Cardwell, Doug Hough, John Lowrie, Brodie Jarvie, Pete Johnstone, Michael Butcher, Euan Burton, Rachael Lightbody, Thomas Gibbs, Paul Harrison, Tommy Smith, Julian Arguilles, Mario Caribe, Ayln Cosker, Chris Grieves and all the teachers and colleagues that have encouraged and spurred me on.