OPTICAL DELUSIONS

My goodness, the consistency of Planeta Imaginario is very impressive. This newest outing - Optical Delusions - is proof that their output is always changing, and yet their focus remains embedded deep in jazz/rock at its finest.

This time around the horn harmonies are beautiful, reminiscent of almost the "classical jazz" era of American composers. Yet don't think for a minute they have forgotten their Rock Music roots, as the keys are wonderfully jazz rock oriented. No guitar in this outing, and none needed, as the composition and improvisation come from the keyboard, bass, brass and winds sections fantastically rich and full, with enough percussiveness in their playing that any other instrumentation would be clumsy. And the drumming is solid and imaginative.

And as with all great modern recordings, the production is outstanding, as the prolific Bob Drake handles mixing and mastering in his usual professional manner.

If you liked the first two Planeta Imaginario albums, this is a must - if you're new to this Spanish group, this isn't a bad place to start, and work backwards, as all of their music is mature and exciting.

Well done musicians, well done!