ALTURAS DE MACHU PICCHU

Los Jaivas is a prolific talentous band from Chile that plays symphonic prog blended with their own emotional andinean folk roots. In 1981 they released what is considered their most famous (if not the most beautiful) work based on the poems of a certain Pablo Neruda.

I think the music is unique and shows a significant grandeur as in the highlight and magnum opus La Poderosa Muerte (11:08) which is by no means a wonderful passionate crescendo that you'd want never stop.

This is really a gem and I'm proud to have it in my personal discography. The whole record is more into the folk side as is quite evident listening to songs as Amor Americano (5:26) and Sube a Nacer Conmigo, Hermano (4:48).

Aguila Sideral (5:20) is instead darker with dynamic bass lines, pan flute and filtered vocals. Antigua America (5:37) starts off with pan flute and then gines the scene to fast classic piano playing and a strong rythm session. Excellent happy-andinean-symphonic prog in the second half.

This is certainly a miliar stone in the whole southern america prog experience. A legendary testament for the perfect balance between music and lyrics.

4.5 stars.