Emma Junaro is one of the Bolivia’s finest singers and her voice is recognized for its pureness and clarity. She has found inspiration in the wealth of popular and folkloric song traditions and nueva canción ( new song) of Bolivia and other Latin American countries. Her first two albums RESOLANA (1981) and Emma Junaro en vivo. Brought her enormous success, national stardom and invitations to perform abroad. Her third album Si de amor se trata was made in Uruguay after a period of study with vocal trainer Nellie Pacheco.

Emma’s decision to record her fourth album in Uruguay was prompted by her impulse to explore and constantly develop new ground and her striving after a esthetic values. She encountered Fernando Cabrera, the distinguished Uruguayan musician and composer whose talent and musical sensibility coincided with her own. Both Emma and Fernando strongly admired Matilde Casazola’s work.

Composer Matilde Casazola is a woman of profound creativity also known as a poetess, singer, guitarist and painter. Her art is inspired and nurtured by Bolivia’s country and people. Emma entrusted Fernando with song arrangements and overall musical direction. His richly varied guitar work accompanies her fluid and exquisite singing on every track.

He creatively employs piano, violin and percussion and blends in Andean folk instruments in innovative ways far removed from their customary folkloric context to produce a superbly contemporary sound. His arrangements are finely wrought and sophisticated, delving into jazz and rock while always maintaining aspect for the original works.

Top musicians from all over the Andes were brought together to make this recording. The result is a stunningly beautiful and unusual album that represents a remarkable fusion of talent and inspiration. It is also undoubtedly Emma’s most ambitions and accomplished recording to date.

Diana Scrafton.
London 1995