“Unchained Melody” is one of those songs that you might have heard dozens of times in your life – but still every time it hits you in the heart.
While your brain might immediately go to the Righteous Brothers’ version, a long list of other musical artists have covered the ballad throughout the years as well. Elvis, Neil Diamond, U2, Norah Jones and many others all created renditions of “Unchained Melody.”
Ask yourself though, have you ever heard “Unchained Melody” performed on a pan flute? Inka Gold is a brother duo that combines modern musical pieces with culture and tradition. Their unique version of the song has been enjoyed by people around the world.
Oscar Andres and Pablo Santiago Morales Vega make up the group Inka Gold. They were born in Ecuador’s Andes Mountains but currently reside in New Mexico.
Both Oscar and Santiago began playing instruments when they were just boys. Oscar learned the pan flutes, while Santiago mastered string instruments. As youngsters, they performed in front of large crowds and toured Europe with their music.
After the tour, Oscar headed to the United States where Inka Gold’s been performing since 1998. Santiago joined him in the year 2000.
The brother duo incorporates their Incan heritage into their music.
On Inka Gold’s website, they explain:
“Inka Gold continues to perform the traditional music of their grand fathers while using traditional instruments to create and perform contemporary pieces.”
In addition to creating original music and covering traditional pieces, they’ve brought their style to a variety of favorites such as “The Sound of Silence,” “Amazing Grace,” “Oh Holy Night” and “Hallelujah.”
One of their videos that spread like wildfire online was when they performed the 1955 all-time classic, “Unchained Melody.”
The video features the brothers on a small stage each with their own instrument. Oscar has his pan flute, while Santiago is strumming his acoustic guitar. They’re dressed in the same attire and there’s a small table with additional flutes in front of them.
Oscar begins blowing into his bamboo piece and a familiar tune emerges. It’s “Unchained Melody,” made up of beautiful and haunting sounds.
Lyrics aren’t necessary to feel chilled by Inka Gold’s cover of the tune. The unique mixture of instrumentals gives the song a twist that’s taking people’s breath away.
A Pan flute might not be an instrument many of us hear too often, but it’s one that’s captivating to listen to. Its design consists of various lengths and sizes of closed tubes.
Oscar enjoys sharing his passion for Andean flute music with others across the globe, according to the group’s website. He explained:
“My music is the bridge between cultures; I hope that everyone who listens to it can feel the peace and strength of the Incan people.”
During the performance of “Unchained Melody” Santiago is given his own guitar solo that highlights his talent.
Watching his fingers quickly pluck the strings is stunning and the music it produces is as well. A short time later, Oscar jumps back in to finish the song.
Many artists have taken on “Unchained Melody,” but this is one that stands out in a special way. Since it was posted it’s been viewed an incredible 15.7 million times (and counting).
You can enjoy Inka Gold’s performance for yourself below!
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