Recital en Argentina
ROBERT FRIPP & THE LEAGUE OF CRAFTY GUITARISTS

Robertito se presentará en varias ciudades del país en su paso durante su gira mundial. Para aprovechar a todo el que pueda hacerlo.

Presentaciones:

Rosario - May. 30, 2007 - Teatro La Comedia

Mendoza - Jun. 01 y 02, 2007 - Teatro Independencia

Buenos Aires - Junio 06 (mi regalo de cumpleaños!!!), 07, 08 y 09, 2007 - Teatro ND Ateneo.

Neo
Self titled
(1980)
France

It will be hard to find a review of this space fusion prog band, in the vein of Ozric Tentacles. Purely instrumental with extensive guitar solos in counterpoint with keyboards and sax. The atmospheres created shows different influences where Camel or King Crimson (first era) can be found. Only album recorded. You will not regret to discover it.

Grupo de fusión combinado con abundantes teclados que da una atmósfera espacial a esta banda con estilo Ozric Tentacles. Totalmente instrumental con solos de guitarra en contrapunto con teclados y saxo. Los ritmos base tienen una cierta influencia de Camel y King Crimson (primer época). Único album de la banda. No se arrepentirán de escucharlo.

Arachnoid

self-titled

(1978)

France

I must confess that albums like this are very hard to review. On one hand, they have a sound that is quite familiar to Progressive fans. On the other hand, they defy comparison, because they really don't sound like any other band. Such is the case with Arachnoid. You'll hear moments of English groups like Genesis and King Crimson, along with other theatrical French Progressive bands like Ange and Mona Lisa, but to compare them to any of these other groups would be a disservice. I'll just say that lovers of Symphonic Prog should like this band quite a bit, particualrly if you like something a bit on the darker side. Like Ange, they use tricked-out organ waves combining with Mellotron to create these otherworldly backdrops for complex guitar, piano, bass and drum excursions. And the vocals are definitely of the French dramatic school, filled with characterizations and plenty of spoken word passages. So, while this is what some might term a somber or dark recording, it is in no way lethargic or low-key - in fact, for the most part, it rocks along at a lively pace - albeit a sometimes sinister one. Really, really good stuff.

SA

Delirium
Primer Dialogo
(1985)
Méjico

Con cierta simetrías con el grupo Iconoclasta, Delirium hace un rock progresivo donde sobresalen los contrapuntos entre solos de guitarra y teclados. El violín tiene una gran participación en tres temas del album a cargo del músico invitado Alfredo Flores. Un buen debut para esta banda que mantiene el sabor de la buena música progresiva Mejicana.

With some simetries with the band Iconoclasta, Delirium makes a progressive rock where counterpoints between guitar and keybords are present. The violin participates in three tracks by the hand of the guest musician Alfredo Flores. A nice debut for this band that mantains the flavour of the good Mexican prog music.

Esquire
Coming Home
(1997)
England

Nikki Squire took the name from a deformation of his husband Chris's surname. Though it does not appear in the credits, it is said that Chris has a participation in this album. Nikki is supported here by multiinstrumentist Nigel McLaren, making a vocal based album where she demonstrates the huge variation of tones her voice can give. You may have heard a couple of tracks in the album "Yes Friends & Relatives". A nice easy listening neat album, very carefully produced.

Nikki Squire toma una deformación al apellido de su esposo Chris para su banda. Aunque no aparezca en los créditos, se dice que Chris tiene una participación en este disco. Con el acompañamiento del multiinstrumentista Nigel McLaren, nos encontramos con un album basado en la voz de Nikki donde ella demuestra todo lo que puede hacer con su voz. Pueden haber escuchado un par de temas en el disco "Yes Friends & Realtives". Un muy buen album cuidado en su producción con temas de fácil audición.

Chaneton
Questions Inside The Picture
(2000)
Argentina

Continuando con un poco de neo progresivo, Chaneton - banda liderada por el guitarrista Alex Chaneton quien tuviera sus orígenes progresivos en Mandrágora aquí posteado - ejecuta una música identificada con el sonido de Marillion. Su cantante Patricio Villanueva, fiel imitador de Fish se acerca bastante a su cometido. Con letras en inglés.

Continuing with some neo prog, Chaneton - band leaded by guitarist Alex Chaneton who has his prog begginings in Mandrágora formerly posted here - plays a music very much identified with Marillion. Its singer Patricio Villanueva makes a good job imitating Fish. Lyrics in English.

Simon Says

Paradise Square

(2002)

Sweden

OK, some neo prog here played by one of those bands that takes all the spirit of the 70's refreshed with the flavours of the neo scene. Paradise Square is the second an last album of SS, and you will find here a Genesis basis developed in the characteristical sound of bands like Pendragon (mainly), IQ and Marillion. Nice neat work by this swedish band.

Bueno, un poco de neo prog tocado por una de esas bandas que toman el espíritu de los 70 refrescado con los tonos del sonido neo. Paradise Square es el segundo y último album de SS, y aquí encontraran un Genesis devenido al sonido característico de bandas como Pendragon (principalmente), IQ y Marillion. Un buen trabajo muy prolijo de esta banda sueca.

Sloche
Stadacone
(1976)
Canada
Second offering by this excellent group from Québec. I've described their sound in a previous post (see below), so I won't go into detail here. I'll just say that their sound on this record is basically the same, although they lean slightly more towards the Fusion side of things than on the first release. A great album from one of my favorite Canadian groups.

Thijs Van Leer
Introspection '92
(1992)
Netherlands

Este disco de TVL puede verse como una continuación de sus Instropection anteriores. Música clásica maravillosamente ejecutada por este talentoso músico quien fuera líder del grupo Focus. Temas de Bach, Mozart, Händel y Shubert entre otros son interpretados en forma majestuosa por TVL y un puñado de maestros virtuosos.

This album of TVL can be seen as a continuation of his former Instropection. Classical pices woderfully played by this talented musician who was lider of the band Focus. Music of Bach, Mozart, Händel and Shubert among others are played ina majestic way by TVL and a bunch of virtuous masters.

Tempus Fugit
Tales From a Forgotten World
(1997)
Brazil

Outstanding Symphonic band of Brazil. Though thier sound has the fresh ingredients of the neo prog scene, Tempus Fugit takes from the 70's their particular sound, neat, strong, very symphonic, some reminicenses of Yes, Camel, PFM, Genesis with - of course - touches of Brazilian rythms that makes an astonishing combination of styles. These guys make a symphonic rock in a perfect combination with local sounds and rythms. Check out the result. And please tell us what do you think about it.

Sobresaliente banda Brasilera. Si bien su sonido tiene los ingredientes del neo prog actual, Tempus Fugit toma de los 70 su sonido particular, prolijo, firme, muy sinfónico, con algunas reminiscencias de Yes, Camel, PFM, Genesis con - por supuesto - toques de ritmos Brasileros que dan como resultado una sorprendente combinación de estilos. Este grupo hace un rock sinfónico con ritmos autóctonos combinados perfectamente en armonía. Escuchen el resultado. Y por favor dejen expresado su punto del vista al respecto.

Iceberg
Coses Nostres
(1976)
Spain

Banda Española de los años 70 orientados a la música prog fusión con marcadas influencias a Return To Forever, en este disco de temas totalmente instrumentales. Las bases giran en torno a ritmos flamencos con solos repartidos en continuos duelos entre la guitarra y el piano / sintetizadores que hacen recordar los contrapuntos entre Chick Corea y Al DiMeola. Música de gran nivel, para recomendar.

Spanish band from the 70's oriented to a prog-fusion style with marked influences of Return To Forever, in this album with 100% instrumental songs. The base rithms are definetely flamenco styled with shared solos between the guitar and Keyboards which make you remind of the duels between Chick Corea and Al DiMeola. High level music, recommended.

A pedido de nuestro amigo Eduardo.

Carmen
Fandangos in Space
(1972)
England

First album of this brillant band (you can find the other two posted already in this blog) which combines a flamenco style with a wonderful prog. Check it out, satisfaction is granted.

Primer album de esta gran banda (los otros dos ya están posteados en este blog) que combina un estilo flamenco en un rock progresivo de gran calidad. Escúchenlo, no se van a arrepentir.

Windchase

Symphinity

(1977)

Australia

One-and-only offering from this quartet featuring two members of well-known Aussie Prog band Sebastian Hardie. Stylistically very similar to SH, featuring excellent guitar work and lush keyboards. Closest comparison to my ears would be mid-70's Camel, although there are some slight hints at Fusion here and there. Mostly instrumental, the few vocals - sung by guitarist Mario Millo - are quite pleasant. He has a rich baritone, and sings in manner that would be well-suited for several genres. He's quite the guitarist as well, playing in style similar to some of Steve Howe's solo work. Standout track is the nearly seven-minute "No Scruples" written by keyboardist Toivo Pilt, which features blaring Hammond organ and ferocious Mellotron Choir. This song is pretty different from the rest, in that it shows a very distinct Yes influence, both instrumentally and vocally - seemingly their attempt to have a "hit" along the lines of "Roundabout". The CD reissue includes a bonus Live track performed by Mario Millo's solo group in the late '90s. Nice record.

SA

Blezqi Zatsaz
Rise And Fall Of Passionate Sanity
(1991)
Brazil

Band leaded by keyboardist Fabio Ribeiro, with too much synth work and passages styled Rick Wakeman (sometimes very similar to) and ingredients of brazilian music which may be make you remember Patrick Moraz's solo albums. Quite a mixture.

Banda liderada por el tecladista Fabio Ribeiro, con mucho trabajo de sintetizador y pasajes al estilo Rick Wakeman (a veces demasiado parecido a) e ingredientes de música brasilera que hace recordar a patrick Moraz en sus albumes solistas. Una excelente mezcla.

U.K.
Shadows From the Sun
(1978)
England

Live official bootleg of the songs of the first album of this great band with the original formation - Allan Holdsworth included recorded on September 1st, 1978 at The Agora Ballroom, Cleveland - Ohio. The quality sound is really very good and for those who didn´t have the luck to see these guys on stage (me...) this performance will make you regret it even more!

Disco oficial en vivo del primer album de esta gran banda con la formación original incluyendo a Allan Holdsworth grabado el 1° de Septiembre de 1978 en The Agora Ballroom, Cleveland - Ohio - USA. La calidad de sonido es muy buena y para aquellos que no tuvimos (me incluyo) la suerte de haberlos podido ver en vivo, este album hace que lo lamentemos aún mas.

Carmen
The Gypsies

(1975)
England

Third and last album of this British band formed by multinational musicians with a spanish touch. Allen's brothers came from USA with a Flamenco background due their dancer mother and guitar player father of that style. Roberto Amaral from Spain gave the voices and percussion remarking the although Flamenco tendency of the band.

Tercer y último album de esta banda Británica formada por músicos multinacionales con un toque español. Los hermanos Allen procedentes de USA con una base de Falmenco en sus venas debido a su madre bailadora y a su padre guitarrista de este estilo. Roberto Amaral de España pone las voces y la percusión remarcando la tendencia al Flamenco de la banda.

Kindly requested by mcphisto.

Crack

Si todo hiciera Crack

(1979)

Spain

Another late 70's gem from Spain - and this is one of the best. This group plays an immaculate Symphonic Prog, with a certain amount of influence from Gabriel-era Genesis. This shows up mostly in the keyboard and guitar work. The keyboards (piano, synths and gorgeous Mellotron) are played in a very Romantic style typical of Tony Banks, and the lead guitarist uses a lot of sustain and volume pedal which will bring to mind Steve Hackett's style of that period. There's also some nice flute played in a classical/jazzy fashion reminiscent of PFM, and some beautiful uncredited Female vocals, which add a nice delicate flavor to several of the tracks . But their style - though familiar - is definitely their own and all of these elements are wrapped up in a distinctly Spanish package. This record is a sterling example of the best Symphonic Prog - great musicianship, excellent composition and arrangements. and a generous respect for their influences. This record delivers on every level and merits my highest recommendation - essential.

SA

Sloche

J'un Oeil

(1975)

Canada

Another treasure from Quebec. This quintet plays a magical mixture of Symphonic Prog and Jazz Rock that truly is a unique blend of the two genres. There's no one song that could fit into either category by itself - instead each of Sloche's compositions incorporate influences as diverse as say for instance, Return to Forever/Mahavishnu and Camel/Yes. Led by two keyboardist - one who plays electric and acoustic piano in a style reminiscent of early Jan Hammer, while the other guy handles the organ, synths and clavs in the style of Kerry Minear from Gentle Giant. He also contributes some nice sax on a few tunes. That said, all the players are superb, and regardless of your favorite instruments, you'll be impressed. Like their quebecois compatriots Maneige, they have a taste for some funky stuff as well. The vocals may remind one of Yes - not the high pitch of the voice, but in the way they use harmony, although this album in predominantly instrumental. I'm a sucker for both the complex and highly melodic, and this group delivers on both counts. A remarkable record and a must-have.

Drama
Flying over the 21st century
(1998)
France

Second and last album of this French neoprog band with many condimments of the 70's. If though they have a more personal style in this album than the first, some Yes like tunes are still present in their music, and the vocals have a Jon Anderson influence but in a lower tone. The songs are shared between purely instrumental and vocal pieces. Some ethnic sounds are also present as can be detected in the track "Taj Mahal" which closes a very nice work by this band.

Segundo y último album de esta banda Francesa neoprogresiva con condimentos en su música de los años 70. Si bien se detecta un estilo mucho mas personal en este album que en el primero, algunos pasajes a lo Yes aún están presentes en su música, y el cantante tiene una voz imitando a Jon Anderson pero en un tono mas bajo. Los temas están compartidos entre instrumentales y cantados. Algunas reminiscencias étnicas aparecen a lo largo de su música, especialmente en el tema "Taj Mahal" cerrando un muy buen trabajo de esta banda.

Requested in the comments of the first album post.

Family
Bandstand
(1972)
England

Banda formada en el año 1967 dedicada en sus inicios a la psicodelia. Liderada por su guitarrista Roger Chapman, la banda sufrió muchos cambios en su formación y en su música. Hacia inicios de 1970 se orientó hacia un hard rock mas de la época. La inclusión de John Wetton en 1971 se mantuvo para 2 albumes "Fearless" y el posteado hoy aquí "Bandstand". En 1973 tras la grabación de "It's only a movie" la banda pone fin a su trayectoria. Lejos de encontrar un estilo Wettoniano en este album, la música de Family está orientada hacia canciones con acento en el hard prog de los inicios. Nada muy experimental, pero sin duda registro de una época.

Band formed in 1967 initially oriented to the psichodelya style. Leaded by its guitarist Roger Chapman, the band suffered lot of changes in its formation and its music. At beginnings of 1970 they moved towards a hard rock style of that years. The inclussion of John Wetton in 1971 lasted for 2 albums, "Fearless" and today's post "Bandstand". In 1973 the band dissolved after the recording of "It's only a movie". Far away from finding a Wettonish style in this album, Family's music is oriented to songs sustained in the hard prog of the beginnings. Nothing very experimental, but no doubt a record of that time.

Kindly requested by karakatoa.

Guillermo Diego y Musicante

Sonoridades Mexicanas

(1993)

Mexico

Charming Chamber Folk from this instrumental ensemble. Led by Composer/classical guitarist Guillermo Diego and percussionist Norma Chargoy, this recording leads us on a cultural anthropological tour of Mexico. Mixing Western Classical music with Prehispanic themes and Spanish-influenced folk, both modern and ancient instruments are blended in each composition, creating a very unique and enjoyable listening experience. Heavy on woodwinds, strings and the aforementioned classical guitars and percussion, overall the music is pretty lively despite the absence of electrical instruments, and often reminds me of the orchestral themes in Camel's The Snow Goose, albeit with a very Mexican flavor. Beautiful stuff - highly recommended.

Alquin
Marks
(1972)
Netherlands

First album of this Dutch band - though I've read reviews comparing them with Camel or Pink Floyd - which you can find in some passages, the use of sax in the rhythmic basis gives an air of a Canterbury style. Their music varies in many rhythms being mostly instrumental. Resuming, a big mixture of styles giving a neat result.

Primer album de esta banda holandea -a pesar de haber leído que sus influencias son de Camel y Pink Floyd- que se pueden encontrar en varios pasajes, el uso del saxo en las beases rítmicas le da un aire mas al estilo Canterbury. Su música es variada en ritmos y mayormente instrumental. En resumen, Una gran mezcla de estilos con un prolijo resultado.

Artcane

Odysee

(1977)

France

First and only album of this band with Lark's Crimson era influence (to the point of plagium) in some tracks, but with their own style in others. Artcane has not been very much difussed then by the Phillips lable who edited their album but left a hidden jewel now to be discovered. The guitar is 100% Fripp style, very well performed by Jack Mlynski. I get this rip from a vinyl with very good sound quality. I believe this has not been edited in CD.

Primer y único album de esta banda influeciada en la era Larks Tounges de Crimson (al punto del plagio) en algunos temas, pero con su estilo propio en otros. Artcane no ha sido muy difundido pos su grabadora Phillips en ese entonces, pero permitió dejar esta joyita al alcance de nuestros oídos. La guitarra de Jack Mlynski es 100% Frippeana de muy buena ejecución. Este ripeado está bajado de un vinilo con muy buena calidad. Creo que nunca fué editado en CD.