BANDHADA

BANDHADA were a five piece Jazz band out of Chile, a bunch of young guys still in University learning to get better at the music they loved. And really my first impressions were that these were players, very skilled. They also can't sit still as these compositions are about as proggy as you get in Jazz, constantly shifting the tempo, the solo instrument, repeating themes. Adventerous but somewhat light for my tastes, still from the first spin I liked this one a lot. I knew this was special. Annoying when I'm making notes at what I'm hearing because of how often they change things up.

Released in 1984 and there are synths which was my first concern but they pass the test although just barely sometimes. Having said that I do like they way they use them as atmosphere and the melancholic bits. A five piece from Chile! I have so many bands in my collection from this nation but this one stands out for the style of music and the year it was released. A delight for the ears my friends. That bass sounds awesome, the guitar is mostly the Jazz style, quite intricate, fluid, fast at times. Drumming and keys are great then there's the sax/flute man who is like the whip cream on top of this tasty release. Yeah I'm getting hungry.

Hey this band released this sole record in 1984 and before and after it they played live a lot and that comes through on this record. It would have been something to witness these guys. 25 years after this release they get back together with the core trio now living in LA with a new horn dude and drummer and released "Open Cage" in 2009. Crazy thing is that I got that one before this one. I gave that 3.5 stars but couldn't click on that fourth star. Hitting 4 stars here is not a problem it's just too impressive on many levels. So much enthusiasm and with the skills to make it all work so beautifully.

No I'm not describing this music, too much work but my top three are the opener "La Septima", "El Vuelo Del Hada" at track five and the closer "Rompiendo La Soledad". Love the cover art as well. This was a find.