LOS JAIVAS [AKA: TODOS JUNTOS; LA VENTANA]

The year 1973 marked the 10th anniversary of the Chilean band LOS JAIVAS' existence but the band only was releasing its second album at this time. Starting out as a traditional Latin American folk music band under the name The High & Bass, the band changed its moniker and ventured into the world of experimental and improvisational folk music which found no two concerts alike where music was totally crafted on the spot with the help of audience participation. In 1971 the band released its first self-titled LP (nicknamed "El Volantín" to distinguish from the following eponymous albums) which began the process of creating actual compositions but was based on impromptu recordings that were put down to tape in the years 1969 - 70.

The band's second eponymous album which has been nicknamed and then renamed LA VENTANA emerged two years later and found the band shifting into more recognizable song structures that deemphasized the spontaneous improvisations and rather crafted a tighter blend of sounds where indigenous Andean musical flavors blended seamlessly with the Northern hemisphere sounds of psychedelic and progressive folk. LA VENTANA emerged early in 1973 before the brutal military coup that installed the dictator Pinochet into power forcing LOS JAIVAS to flee to Argentina before eventually making their way to France. Due to the album's successful hit "Todos Juntos," the album has been officially released over the years under that title as well but still is primarily referred to as LA VENTANA. Likewise the album has been released with a varying number of tracks over its series of reissues with the first pressing featuring seven and subsequent releases with eleven.

Focusing on a much more accessible sound (mostly), LA VENTANA showcased a variety of styles throughout its 40 minute run but incorporated a number of commercial sounding singles that allowed the band to experience its first taste of success. The single "Todos Juntos" showcased Chile's indigenous Andean folk music as the primary melody but also implemented a martial drumming style that gave it a Western sort of rock and roll flavoring. The anthemic themes of freedom and liberty propelled the single to become a huge radio hit and one of the best selling singles that has ever been recorded in Chile. A very catchy tune with somewhat of a Santana-esque guitar presence, the single was followed by more singles including "Mira Niñita" and "Indio Hermano," the latter of which featured an almost military march style of busy percussion but fortified with catchy folk melodies (courtesy of those distinct pan flutes) and hefty guitar workouts.

The most experimental track comes towards the end with the near 10-minute "Ciclo Vital" which takes on a darker impending doomy vibe that almost sounds like some sort of ritualistic musical affair but what makes it even weirder is it takes on a tone of modern classical music with schizoid piano rolls. The incessant drum roll throughout the entire track provides a monotony and dread that allows the improvisational parts to play upon. This track is more in line with the debut album as it lacks a distinct melody and is characterized by a tribal drumming style that allows bizarre experimentation to dance around. Likewise the other long near 10-minute track "Los Caminos Que Se Abren" follows a similar path but more upbeat and is accompanied by a full chamber orchestra. The album ends as the debut did with a short snippet of unadulterated Andean folk music.

To my ears this earliest stage of LOS JAIVAS is every bit as interesting as the 80s releases that wove in more robust aspects of progressive rock. While at this stage the indigenous folk flavors were much more dominant, these compositions were highly experimental in their approach and featured aspects of Latin rock, European folk and psychedelic rock as well as moments of improvisation freeform moments reminiscent of the debut. This album sounds more cohesive though and the tracks flow together quite well as the martial percussion remains the predominant skeletal system for the entire experimental folk and rock sounds to coalesce around. This second release is actually quite brilliant as it offers a variety of both accessible melodic tunes and crafty experimental surprises. LOS JAIVAS truly was one of the most talented bands ever to have emerged from Chile and these early albums are not to be missed.