| Summary: | This is the surprising tale of how a mountainous region in the Peruvian Andes came to adopt saxophone music as it was played in New York City in the big band era of the 40's and 50's. Here in the Montaro Valley, 10,000 feet above sea level, blues, jazz and rock and roll is interpreted in the rhythms and melodies of folkloric traditions. Every folk orchestra in the Peruvian central mountains has at least eleven or twelve saxophones, accompanied by a violin, a harp and one or two clarinets. We see how the local musicians imitate the New York style of the big band era, wearing dark, beautifully tailored suits, Al Capone fedoras and neckties, often emblazoned with "I Love New York." In this poor rural area, weddings take on the magic and exuberance of the world of Garcia Marquez. The smallest wedding has at least two orchestras, with eighteen musicians each. The music never stops. The musicians accompany the bride, dancing through the streets of the village along with the guests. This lively film is fascinating musical anthropology as well as a heart warming portrait of musicians passionate about their heritage, but also longing for recognition in the larger world
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