They are studying songs, music, theory and analyzing traditional music and pop. They take a real academic course in voice and theory. But any sense that her project is an academic exercise is thrown out the window with one waft of Baca's voice. The old songs alight with her enthusiasm, the melodies sing with her deft treatment and she affirms that these songs are about the heart. Several traditional instruments are used including the cajon , a wooden box held between the legs and played with the hands, and a quijada de burro , a burro's jawbone with loosened teeth that rattle.
New songs feature the poetry of Peruvian masters set to rhythms that are propulsive and sensual.
They move with the beats that are exotic and sure, the music done with a minimum of accompaniment. Baca's sensual and strong voice too takes its seductive place up front. It was the strength of her voice and the strength of the material that David Byrne heard on The Soul of Black Peru , a Luaka Bop compilation released in 1995. It began a relationship that led to a brand new world of fans, possibilities and opportunity for Baca. It was difficult to reach anyone before the meeting with David Byrne.