JOSÉ LUIS FERNÁNDEZ LEDESMA & MARGARITA BOTELLO: SOL CENTRAL

Most of this album by Jose Luis, who also known as JLFLQ (acronyms of his name) is taken by the 35 minutes creation 'Sol Central', which deals with the sun (more lyrics details appears on exagerardo's excellent review). I got to know JLFLQ at this site as most of the progressive materials at recent years (unsurprisingly), and hooked by his wonderful music in MySpace. Soon I purchased some of his albums, and learnt that Jose Luis is a very versatile musician, each album presents another aspect of his visions. Still, the main role here is the Spanish/Mexican influences on whatever he does, in addition to peculiar sounds and original attitude.

As I've mentioned, the 'Sol Central' creation is dedicated for the sun. The sun presented by some scorch and burn synths sound. Do not expect here for lush synths really. It divided into 7 tracks, which are seven songs for the sun, but sure not versus-chorus type of songs. The songs could be listened to as separate ones, but comes better as a whole.

I choose to describe the beginning of 'Sol Central' to emphasize. It starts with acapella singing which very soon burst into the burning synths and electronic sounds, with some yells. A Trumpet joins in and adds an acoustic, 'live' touch to the texture. After a while the music calms down, and vocalist Margarita Bottelo provides the main and beautiful melody of the first song, 'Datura Inoxia'.

This is a very good start to the whole epic, and it will be followed by some mood changes, calmer moments, tribal moments, all provided in unique sounds and sonorities in an excellent flow, never too hurry and on the other hand never too monotonous. From the sound aspect, there is a combination between electronic sounds, and some acoustic sounds such as oboe and ocarinas. The whole epic is closed by a wonderful refrain at the last song, 'La de los Acertijos'.

What comes as disturb to this beautiful creation is the amateurish sound and production. The sound is muddy, there is no crystallite at all. No panning nor dimensions, all instruments sound one upon the other, with not enough distinguish between them. IMHO it could really soar and become a true gem with more precise care and more professional hands on the faders. So now it's time for mourning about the prog situation nowadays, and 'crying' for too many prog albums that do not get enough production qualities, because of lack of support or sponsors. Still, there is much to enjoy here, and the excellent compositional quality is a true compensation.

Overall, this album is recommended for RIO and Eclectic listeners and whoever looking for something intriguing and rewarding, without neglecting the beauty and aesthetics. On the lower side of 4 stars rating.

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