Ancestral Voices is the name given to the collaborative efforts of Brian Ascenzo & Charles Deschant.

Their first album together of the same name – “Ancestral Voices: A Musical Journey Through the Land of the Maya” is comprised of music originally composed for the Pyramid Films documentary “Searching For The Maya”, which was narrated by Ricardo Montalban and broadcast on PBS in 1995.

Inspired by the sheer wonder of the ancient Mayan artifacts unearthed in the documentary and the incredible story they told, composer and producer Brian Ascenzo studied to gain an understanding of Pre-Columbian music.

To fully realize his vision, he sought an example of Mayan music itself, from which to learn the basic musical language of this Pre-Columbian culture.

Such an example came in the form of a recording of an actual “Mayan” band: “Xochimoki”. Hailing from the Beliz area, this amazing group of individuals play music passed down aurally through the centuries on the very same hand-fashioned instruments as their ancestors.

Enraptured by the percussive moods, Brian knew that he needed another, even more valuable resource.

So he called on trusted friend and colleague Charles DeChant – saxophonist and flautist for ‘Hall and Oates’ – who, on his many travels with this classic pop supergroup, had taken up the practice of collecting flutes, recorders, shells, and just about any instrument you could blow through.

Ascenzo and DeChant set about the task of recording several of Brian’s themes and improvising in the many varied moods and styles that the stunning imagery of this once mighty race evoked.

Many of these beautiful pieces (and some that weren’t in the show) have been joined to create this musical journey through the past.

“Ancestral Voices”- the album will soon be available for purchase through Amazon.com, CDBaby, iTunes, and the like.

You can join the ‘Ancestral Voices’ mailing list here:

We will keep you apprised of upcoming release dates.

‘Ancestral Voices’ is in the process of compiling more of their music for a second album to be released late this year.

You can read a bit more about the documentary that sparked this musical journey at www.pegwood.com/avbio.html

©1995 Pegwood Arts / BMI. All Rights Reserved.