RECUERDOS DE MI TIERRA

I got this album on a recommend from Erik Neuteboom and I have one word for it... WOW! hahah. While prog was on the decline in the english sphere of prog in the late '70's, it was really hitting it's apex in Spain. Recuerdos de mi Tierra is generally considered one of THE masterpieces of Spanish prog. It is an essential album of what is called Prog-Andaluz. Prog rock with influences not from classical music but from flamenco whose roots lie in Indian, Arabic, and Spanish cultures. To the uninitiated, as I was, this album can be akin to a punch across the jaw. It will get your attention quickly hahahah. A real change of pace from 'english' and even Italian prog. It's a fascinating, and different style of prog. If looking for something a bit different from the 'same old same old'. I recommend you pick up this album. It's a great introduction to Prog-Anduluz.

A few words about the album itself. The album gets off to a rousing start with the title track... lightning e-guitar runs, lush accoustic guitar sections, powerful drumming. The vocals while nonsensical of course to me, do not detract from the real star of the album.. the music. Desde Que Somos Dos has a real arabic flavor that the violins and cello really accent. Hearing this takes me away to another place... suddenly I'm Peter O'Toole riding a white stallion through the blazing sands hahah. Ara Buza (Dame Un Beso) spotlights a flamenco practice 'palmos' which is rhythmic hand clapping which is used to accompany flamenco music.

As I learn more about Flamenco and review other Prog-Andaluz albums hopefully I can be a bit more informative about the music itself. That in itself is a great reason to check out this underappreciated branch of prog. It is for me a form of music I'm not familar with, and if it's not for you, this is a great album to expand your horizons so to speak.

Rating... for myself 4 stars an excellent album (reserve the right to bump it up to 5 when I understand more about the music itself) ... for the forum at large 4 stars. One of a handful of albums from Spain that should be in every well rounded prog collection. An excellent and worthwhile addition to any prog collection.

Michael (aka micky)