Inti-Illimani

Inti-Illimani is a renowned Chilean folk music group that has been active since 1967, known for their unique blend of Andean music and Latin American music. The group's name is derived from the Aymara language and means "sun of the Illimani", a mountain in Bolivia. Inti-Illimani has collaborated with various artists, including Pablo Neruda, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, and Sting. They have also been influenced by the works of Violeta Parra, Victor Jara, and Atahualpa Yupanqui.

● History

Inti-Illimani was formed in 1967 at the University of Chile by a group of students, including Horacio Salinas, Horacio Duran, and Jose Seves. The group's early years were marked by their involvement in the Nueva Cancion Chilena movement, which aimed to promote Chilean music and Latin American culture. Inti-Illimani's music was also influenced by the Cuban Revolution and the works of Che Guevara, Fidel Castro, and Pablo Neruda. In the 1970s, the group went into exile in Italy and France after the 1973 Chilean coup d'etat led by Augusto Pinochet. During this time, they collaborated with artists such as Joan Baez, Pete Seeger, and Harry Belafonte.

● Music Style

Inti-Illimani's music style is a unique blend of Andean music, Latin American music, and folk music. The group's sound is characterized by the use of traditional Andean instruments such as the quena, siku, and charango, as well as Spanish guitar and bass guitar. Inti-Illimani's music has been influenced by the works of Simon & Garfunkel, The Beatles, and Bob Dylan, as well as Latin American music genres such as salsa, tango, and bossa nova. The group has also been compared to other folk music groups such as The Weavers, The Kingston Trio, and Peter, Paul and Mary.

● Discography

Inti-Illimani has released over 20 albums throughout their career, including Inti-Illimani (1969), Viva el Pueblo (1970), and Autores Chilenos (1971). The group's most famous album is probably La Nueva Cancion Chilena (1974), which features songs such as "El Pueblo Unido Jamas Sera Vencido", Venceremos, and "Gracias a la Vida". Inti-Illimani has also released albums with other artists, such as Mercedes Sosa, León Gieco, and Atahualpa Yupanqui. Their music has been featured in various films and documentaries, including The Battle of Chile and Chile: When Will It End?.

● Band Members

The original members of Inti-Illimani were Horacio Salinas, Horacio Duran, Jose Seves, and Ernesto Perez de Arce. Over the years, the group has undergone several lineup changes, with members such as Max Berru, Jorge Coulon, and Marcelo Coulon joining and leaving the group. Inti-Illimani has also collaborated with other musicians, including Sting, Peter Gabriel, and Bruce Springsteen. The group's current lineup includes Horacio Salinas, Jorge Coulon, and Marcelo Coulon.

● Tours and Performances

Inti-Illimani has toured extensively throughout their career, performing in countries such as United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Latin America. The group has also performed at various festivals, including the Newport Folk Festival, Woodstock, and Glastonbury Festival. Inti-Illimani has shared the stage with artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and Pete Seeger, and has been praised by critics and audiences alike for their energetic and captivating live performances. The group has also been recognized for their contributions to Chilean music and Latin American culture, receiving awards such as the Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and the Order of the Aztec Eagle.