Oscar Reynolds

KARUMANTA (Quechua for 'From far away') is an independent label that features The Magical Music of Oscar Reynolds and his former Andean musical group KARUMANTA JAMUYKU. The music is rooted in Music from the Andes, the indigenous music of the great Incas of South America, whose empire flourished thousands of years ago in the area of what are now Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Chile, long before Columbus sailed to the Americas. The music has ancient Inca values as well as harmony and respect for Pachamama (Quechua for Mother Earth) embedded in each note, making the music a cultural treasure that expresses timeless sentiments.



The music that KARUMANTA has produced started with the preservation of the sacred music of the Incas, the traditional indigenous music that echoed high in the Andes Mountains in ancient times. Today, the music has evolved into a fusion of Andean instrument sounds with dynamic rhythms from Bolivia, Brazil, Spain, and South America, composed and arranged by Oscar Reynolds. This instrumental music boasts a beautiful combination of Andean wind instruments with the Spanish guitar as well as indigenous charango strings and a dynamic variety of percussion. While still holding on to traditional roots and preserving the same spirit of the Andes, the music at the same time reflects the growth and change that come with time and experiencing life. Oscar explains, 'This new music retains the culture and the influence from my Inca ancestors, but it also has a part of me. I am playing this music in a new context -- with my own style -- inspired by my heart, life, and experience in music.'



Mr. Reynolds hopes that through his music, people will have a better understanding of Andean music, and more importantly, of Bolivian music and Bolivian heritage. 'Although Bolivia is one of the countries that form part of the Andes, Bolivia has a unique culture and music that is different from its surrounding countries. And although the Andean countries share a common ancestry, Bolivia does have a distinct heritage. My music comes from my heart, my ancestors, and my country.'



Through his music, Mr. Reynolds also hopes to inspire people to live and love because his music comes from deep in his heart and soul. But most of all, through his music, Mr. Reynolds wishes to share the music and culture that he loves to the world.