Almendra
Cronología
(1969)
Argentina

This album compilates the first record of Almendra and all the singles of their first era. Almendra, one of the pioneers band of the borning rock in Argentina, formed the group of those bands (jointly with Vox Dei, Manal, Los Gatos, La Pesada, etc) that changed the direction of the rock style to a more psychodelic and hard vein. A song based album sharing melodic songs with blues, hard rock, psychodelia in a very self-made style. After the dissolution, main stream rock bands came out from its members: Pescado Rabioso (L.A.Spinetta), Color Humano (E.Molinari) and Aquelarre (E.DelGuercio & R.García). A nice piece of history of my native rock.

Album compilación que incluye el primer trabajo de la banda y los primeros singles editados. Almendra, una de las bandas pioneras del rock naciente de argentina, formo el grupo de bandas (junto a Vox Dei, Manal, Los Gatos, La Pesada, etc.) que dieron un vuelco al rock nacional hacia la psicodelia y el rock pesado. Un album donde conviven las canciones melódicas con el hard el blues y la psicodelia. Luego de su separación, surgieron de sus miembros 3 de las principales bandas de rock de los 70: Pescado Rabioso (L.A.Spinetta), Color Humano (E.Molinari) y Aquelarre (E.DelGuercio y R.García). Un buen documento histórico de mi rock nativo.

Rael
Mascaras Urbanas
(1992)
Argentina

Rael begins in 1985 but is not until 1992 that they record they first and only album, reissued by Musea in 1997, where they gained a more international knowledge. Like others in Argentina, Rael has not been very well known in his own era. Playing a neo prog Genesis first years like - vocals included - Rael incorporates folckloric rythms to their music giving a very personal touch to their songs. Arrangements very well performed and a neat performance makes this a very good record unavailable these days. To take in account.

Rael se forma en 1985, pero no es hasta 1992 que graban su primer y único disco, reeditado por Musea en 1997 donde adquieren un mayor reconocimiento internacional. Como otros en Argentina, Rael no fué muy reconocido en su época. Ejecutando un neo prog con marcadas influencias a lo Genésis - voces incluídas - Rael incorpora ritmos folclóricos a su música dandole un toque muy personal a sus canciones. Arreglos muy bien hechos y una ejecución muy prolija hacen de este un muy buen album incoseguible por estos días. Para tener en cuenta.

Alexander Kostarev Group

Live @ InProg

(2003)

Russia

Fusion an classic mixed with a very worked prog is the disctintion of AKG. The sound quality is one of the basic issues for live albums and here we hear each instrument distinctly, every complicated pattern. The music is dynamic, intrincated, sometimes the violin takes initiative from the guitar, sax and percussion, that makes the music exquisite and original, may be - in fact surely - influences of master Fripp are present. Something surely different to what I was used to listen. More than recommended.

Fusión y clásico mezclado con un muy elaborado progresivo is el distintivo de AKG. La calidad de sonido del básica en los discos en vivo y en esta grabación se aprecian bien los detalles de su compleja música. El estilo es dinámico, complejo, a veces el violín gana participación sobre el saxo y la guitarra y elementos percusivos que hacen una musica exquisita y original, tal vez - de hecho - la influencia del maestro Fripp está presente. Algo distinto a lo que estaba acostumbrado a escuchar. Mas que recomendado.

A pedido de Red Mosquito

Mario Millo

Epic III

(Australia)

(1979)

First solo outing by former frontman of Sebastian Hardie and Windchase. Primarily a guitarist and singer, Millo plays in a style that to my ears is reminiscent of both Steve Howe and Andy Latimer. He sings in the same range as John Wetton, although his voice is much smoother and less affected. The music on this record is a mixture of Symphonic Prog, lite Fusion, Pop songs and a ballad or two. In other words, it's not entirely a Prog record, but the other influences aren't unpleasant at all - he has a nice gift for hooks and all of the material is well-crafted and oozes professionalism. The standout number is the 14 minute title track Epic III, which shows a clear Yes influence, and is a tour-de-force of Prog Rock stylings, featuring excellent guitar work, plenty of 70's keyboards goodness, twisting rhythms and beautiful harmonies. This record won't blow anyone away, but it's a very worthwhile listening experience and a fine piece of work from one of Australia's top musicans.

SA

Espíritu

En Vivo 2004

(2005)

Argentina

No puede llamarse una reunión de la banda para esta presentación en vivo, ya que el único integrante de la formación ya cambiante de los 70 es Osvaldo Favrot, su guitarrista. Y si hay algo que Espíritu le debía a sus fans era un disco en vivo con un sonido decente ya que aquel Obras 82 sirve solo como documento. En Vivo 2004 tiene algunos temas nuevos de la banda de su último disco "Fronteras Mágicas" del 2003 y varios de sus mejores albumes "Crisálida" y "Libre y Natural". Quienes debieron ocupar el lugar de sus antecesores cumplen un papel digno, Pablo Guglielmino en voz no hace extrañar demasiado a Berge y Federico Favrot (hijo de Osvaldo) brinda una base firme con su bajo, aunque personalmente extraño ese sonido Squireano que le daba Claudio Martínez. En resumen, un buen disco de este renovado Espíritu donde sus puntos mas altos están en las versiones de sus mayores éxitos de los 70. El sonido del sinfónico de esa época se mantiene vigente. Para deleitarse.

It's hard to consider this album a reunion of the band, as the only original member is the guitarist Osvaldo Favrot. And if there was something missing for their fans was a decent sound live album, as their Obras 82 only worth as document. En Vivo 2004 has some new songs from their last album "Fronteras Mágicas" recorded in 2003 and several of the best songs of their main albums "Crisalida" and "Libre y Natural". Those who have to take the place of their predecessors make a good job, pablo Guglielmino in vocals makes Berge not to be missed and Federico Favrot (Osvaldo's son) gives a firm support with his bass, though I personally miss the Squirish sound of Claudio Martínez. Resuming, a good album of this renewed Espíritu where the high points are in their versions of their exits of the 70s. The symphonic sound of that era is still vigent. To enjoy.

PART 1

PART 2

Los Jaivas

Obras de Violeta Parra

(1984)

Chile

Album grabado en París donde la banda había exiliado cuando sufría la persecución de las dictaduras militares de Chile primero y Argentina después. Las canciones resultan de la musicalización de poemas de Violeta Parra - poetisa Chilena de tormentosa vida - salvo el tema "Un río de sangre". En las letras se puede ver reflejado muy bien la ideología de Los Jaivas, alineados a Violeta Parra, y la música en particular de este disco es lo que me atrevería a llamar un folclore negro, donde puede apreciarse una cierta melancolía y bronca, tal vez por el exilio forzado al que estaban obligados. Se puede apreciar una gran calidad en los arreglos musicales, distante a los ritmos a los que venían tocando, y desde ya, una profundidad y crudeza de las letras que si bien fueron escritas hace décadas se mantienen vigentes en el tiempo.

Album recorded in Paris, where the band was exiliated when was first persecuted by the Chilenean dictatorship and afterwards by the Argentinean. The songs are poems of Violeta Parra - Chilenean poetress of tormentous life - except "Un río de sangre". In the lyrics it can be seen reflected that the ideology of Los Jaivas was aligned with Violeta Parra's, and the music in particular of this record is what I would dare to call a "black" folcklore, when you can appreciate a certain melancoly and anger, may be because of the forced exile they were suffering. A high quality in the nmusical arrangements, very distant to the rythms Los Jaivas used to play, and of course, a deep and raw lyrics wroten decades ago still vigent.

A pedido de Diego / Requested by Diego

Sinkadus

Aurum Nostrum

(1997)

Sweden

Fantastic 70s-inspired Symphonic Prog. Their sound is remarkably similar to their fellow countrymen Anglagard, although just a bit more low-key. The traditional line-up of guitars, keys, bass and drums is augmented by a flautist and cellist, which adds a bit of a chamber rock feel to some of the material. The keyboards are particularly strong, with extensive use of Hammonds, Mellotrons and other mainstays of the 70s. The vocals are in Swedish and are kept to a minimum, but are used effectively and definitely reinforce the Scandinavian vibe. A superb recording, with excellent compositions and stellar musicianship - highly recommended.

SA

Grobshnitt

Die Grobshnitt Story

(1994)

Germany

Double CD of this mythic German band which plays a symphonic rock of great quality. In this compilation you will find live performances never issued before in a high sound quality including show's dialogues and an interview (for german speakers) and some unreleased songs. A good testimony of the band and a nice introduction for those who don´t know them yet.

CD doble de esta mítica banda Alemana de rock sinfónico de alta calidad. En esta compilación encontrarán temas en vivo que nunca habían sido editados anteriormente con una excelente calidad de grabación incluyendo algunos diálogos con el público y una entrevista (en alemán) y algunos temas inéditos. Un buen testimonio de la banda y una muy buena introducción para aquellos que aún no la conocen.

Los Jaivas
Todos Juntos
(1972)
Chile

Mostly of the songs of this album were recorded in 1972, but this edition (1996) has a couple of tracks from 1973. You wil find here the very early beginnings of this band playing a local folcklor with lots of autocton instrumments, lots of percussion and flutes, ciqus, horn (but not brass!), charango, supported by a basis of acoustic piano, organ, bass and electric guitar. Some fusion ingredients present, long jams in the form of songs, a real document of that time.

La mayoría de los temas de este disco fueron grabados en 1972, pero esta edición (de 1996) tiene un par de temas grabados en 1973. Enontrarán aquí los primeros comienzo de Los Jaivas tocando un folklore andino lleno de instrumentos autóctonos, mucha percusión y flautas, quenas, ciqus, cuernos, charango soportados por una base rítmica de piano, órgano, bajo y guitarra eléctrica. Algunos toques de fusión incipiente que el tiempo le daría mas cabida, largas zapadas en forma de canciones. Un verdadero documento de la época.

Gracias a mi hermano que me prestó el CD para poder subirlo. Thanks to my brother who lent me the CD to upload it.

Ave Rock
Espacios
(1978)
Argentina

Ave Rock was a band that has to be considered through the underground of the rock scene in Argentina. Though they were not very popular, their work is to be considered as materpieces. I get to found his second album in CD thanks to the reediting done by the Brazilian lable Progressive Rock Worldwide. Their music style is influenced by the premium british prog bands of that time, mainly symphonic with lots of keyboards. For this album the band changed 3 of their original members.

Ave Rock fué una banda que tal vez deba ser considerada dentro del circuito under del rock de su éspoca. Si bien distaron de ser populares su trabajo debe ser considerado como obras maestras. He encontrado su segundo album gracias a la reedición del sello Brasilero Progressive Rock que ha ayudado al reconocimiento internacional de la banda. Algo similar al fenómeno Bubú. Su estilo musical está influenciado por las grandes bandas inglesas de la época, con orientación sinfónica con bases en un gran trabajo de teclados. Para este album cambiaron 3 de sus integrantes a la formación original.

Bubú
Anabelas
(1978)
Argentina

Bubú es una banda Argentina con mas reconocimiento en el exterior que en su propio país. Algo típico de nuestra idiosincracia. Si bien en el año en que salió editado el disco el movimiento progresivo a nivel mundial comenzaba a orientarse hacia un sonido mas "comercial", Anabelas estaba muy lejos de ir hacia esa tendencia. Una música de alta copmplejidad, impecablemente ejecutada, con arreglos desconocidos en el rock local (nunca superado) Bubú contó con un selecto grupo de músicos que hicieron con éste su único album ganarse el mote de "banda de culto". Tuve la suerte de ver presentaciones de ellos en vivo, y sumada a la altísima calidad técnica de su música el despliegue y producción escéncia estaba a la altura de las circunstancias. Tal vez en un país distinto Bubú hubiese llegado a niveles de difusión similares al de las principales bandas Inglesas. Un verdadero orgullo de que lleven el rótulo Argentino.

Bubú is an Argentinean band with more recognition abroad than in it´s own country. In the year this - their only album - came out, the progressive movement was deforming in a more "commercial" style, but Anabelas was far away from that tendency. A high complex music, neatly played, with unknown arrangements for the local rock (still up to day) Bubú counted with a select group of musicians that made of this piece of art a recognition of a "band of cult". I had the luck to see them on stage several times, and added to the premium quality of their music the production on stage was at the same level of quality. May be in a different country, Bubú surely would reached the levels of difussion and recognition similar to the main stream bands. Proudly Made in Argentina.

Madoromi

(Bi Kyo Ran)

Live Vol. 4

(1977)

Japan

Not too much to tell about this one. It's an earlier incarnation of Japanese Prog stalwarts Bi Kyo Ran playing King Crimson covers from Larks and Starless. This is actually quite good. The performances are authentic without being exact, and the sound quality is pretty good, considering this was recorded under "bootleg" conditions. These guys actually play this material with more power and energy than some of the Crimson performances from back then, which could be "dainty" at times. A must for Crimsonheads, and a good record to have for any Prog fan.

SA

Kenso

Utsuroi Yuku Mono

(2007)

Japan

Fantastic 17th release by this top Progressive Jazz-Rock group - maybe the best from Japan, and certainly the most popular. Led by guitarist and composer Yoshihisa Shimizu, their music is a spellbinding mixture of Jazz Rock and Symphonic Prog, with loads of exceptional guitar and keyboard work. Musicianship is amazing, and the songwriting and arrangements are of the highest caliber. They've been around in one form or another since 1980, and the line-ups and styles have shifted back and forth over the years, but in all cases they've made exceptional music. This release finds them just a touch heavier on the guitar and ethnic vibe than on some of their previous releases, and each of the 17 tracks has its own distinct style and flavor. If you've never heard these guys, you're in for a real treat. If you do know them, you won't be disappointed. Without a doubt one of the best Progressive groups of the last (almost) 30 years. Essential.

SA

P.F.M.

Live in Japan

(2002)

Italy

Concert recorded at the "Blue Note Cafe" in Tokyo during a world tour of the band, playing most of their big exits of the 70's with Mauro Pagani included as guest musician. It seems that PFM have left behind the era of the easy riffy songs, returning to their roots, even in the complex arrangements they made us be used to. Extraordinary live set. Enjoy it!

Concierto grabado en el "Blue Note Cafe" en Tokio durante una gira mundial de la banda, tocando la mayoría de los éxitos que los hicieran reconocidos mundialmente en los 70 con Mauro Pagani como músico invitado. En este disco han dejado atrás la época de las canciones simples de los anteriores discos para retomar sus raíces, con arreglos complejos como los que nos tenían acostumbrados y que les valieron el reconocimiento internacional. Un recital extraordinario. Disfrútenlo!

Bill Bruford Interview

Speaking of past and present King Crimson members, here's a nice little ditty that a friend of mine snagged from Satellite radio. It's from a couple of years ago. Mr. Bruford - considered by many to be the consummate Progressive Rock drummer - recounts stories about his days with King Crimson, the formation of his own band - Bruford, how the group UK came to be, and his more Jazz-oriented career of the past several years. Interspersed with the interview, are some excellent musical snippets from his mid-to-later career, along with his musings on today's music and the recording industry of both yesterday and today. Should be of real interest to fans of this groundbreaking and unique musician.

SA