Yma Sumac – Voice of the Xtabay
Released: 1950

So this is probably a rather leftfield choice and a difficult album to kick proceedings off with as parts of it sound rather odd 70 years after its release, but odd in a rather brilliant way.

Voice of the Xtabay is the first studio album by Peruvian soprano Yma Sumac, released in 1950 by Capitol Records and produced and composed by Les Baxter, along with Moisés Vivanco (whom she later married I believe, then divorced when he sired twins with another partner then remarried and subsequently divorced) and John Rose. Sumac sings magnificently on the album, accompanied by ethnic percussion and musical variations influenced by the music of Peru.

Sumac’s vocal range of 5 octaves (some say 4 1/2) is quite startling at times, particularly when in the high register; the control she has over that voice is amazing as she moves from baritone to whistle register.

The more I listen to this album, and others of hers, the more I like them. I’ve only very recently discovered her work and and very pleased that I did so.

Track List:

A Virgin Of The Sun God (Taita Inty)
B Lure Of The Unknown Love (Xtabay)
C High Andes! (Ataypura!)
D Monkeys (Monos)
E Chant Of The Chosen Maidens (Accla Taqui)
F Dance Of The Winds (Wayra)
G Earthquake! (Tumpa!)
H Dance Of The Moon Festival (Choladas)

Interesting Facts About Her Life and Work

1. A Mythic Origin Story
   Yma Sumac (born Zoila Augusta Emperatriz Chávarri del Castillo) claimed to be a direct descendant of the last Incan emperor, Atahualpa. This claim, though debated, added to her mystique and exotic allure.
2. An Unbelievable Vocal Range
   Sumac’s voice spanned at least four octaves, from deep baritone notes to dazzling high notes. Some accounts say she could sing from B2 to C♯7, a range rivaling that of opera greats. Her voice was often described as supernatural or bird-like.
3. Hollywood Stardom
   She gained international fame with her 1950 album Voice of the Xtabay, produced by Capitol Records. It introduced her unique fusion of Andean music with lush Hollywood orchestrations. She later appeared in films like Secret of the Incas (1954), alongside Charlton Heston, which inspired parts of Indiana Jones.
4. A Unique Stage Persona
   Her elaborate costumes, often inspired by Incan royalty, and her dramatic, almost operatic performances made her a mesmerizing live act. She toured the world, performing in prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.
5. Cold War Musical Diplomacy
   During the 1950s, Yma Sumac toured the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe as part of a cultural exchange program. She was one of the few Western artists permitted to perform in the USSR during the Cold War, showcasing her universal appeal.
6. A Resurgence in Pop Culture
   After fading from mainstream popularity, her music experienced a revival in the 1990s. Songs like Bo Mambo were featured in commercials and films, such as The Big Lebowski (1998). Her influence extended to artists in various genres, including Björk and Marilyn Manson.
7. A Controversial Personal Life
   She was married to Moisés Vivanco, a composer and musician who helped arrange her early music. Their relationship was tumultuous, marked by breakups and reconciliations, and their divorce made headlines.
8. A Lasting Legacy
   Yma Sumac remains one of Peru’s most famous cultural icons. Her music, with its otherworldly quality, continues to captivate listeners worldwide, ensuring that her legend lives on.