José Cua Simaj

 

B'iix Rxiin Ruchulew

 

Songs of the Face of the Earth

 

Songs of protection, songs of travel, courting songs, songs of enchantment.

 

If UNESCO are looking for more “Living Cultural Treasures” they should surely consider José Cua Simaj. He plays and sings in a unique tradition using a five string guitar tuning originating in 16th century Catalonia, which is one of the unique musical survivals preserved in Santiago Atitlán, as revealed by ethnomusicologist Linda O'Brien. This is Tzu'tujil country blues.

 

From the Guatemalan highlands we can hear the echoes of tunes reverberating in Mesoamerican time and space.

 

 

Recording by Linda O'Brien in Santiago Atitlán 2011

 

All proceeds go to the musician.