Ecuador Manta is a group from Ecuador, and now based in St. Paul, MN. They combine pan pipes with violin, guitars, piano, drums, a flute called a zampona, and vocals. They can be considered a Latin fusion band.

My family saw them at the Wisconsin State Fair in the early 2000’s, and bought a few of their CDs. Their album Alegrando el Alma was one of the albums, and I wouldn’t be able to tell you how many times I have listened to it. All their songs are great and catchy.

I am sharing the 10th song of the CD, El Condor Pasa. The song begins sounding like a rain forest, but as the flute starts various percussion instruments join in, before giving way to guitars, drums, and pan pipes. The bass-like pan pipe is something cool to hear.

If you have a chance, I suggest listening to all of their works.