The group's name comes from the Spanish "alta" (high) and "azor" (hawk), words which suggest the soaring vocal harmonies of the singers as well as the high-flying spirit with which the group's haunting, passsionate music is created. When performing its repertoire of traditional Latin American vocal and instrumental arrangements along with the more socially-conscious lyrics of New Song, Altazor employs an impressive range of instruments that includes the quena, tiple, tres, and charango, along with the more familiar flute, mandolin, guitar, and piano. ~ All Music Guide