LOS JAIVAS EN RAPA NUI

Usually I don't write long reviews, but I don't think this DVD will be often reviewed. So have patience (or ''press next'' (c) ZowieZiggy)

It is the first LOS JAIVAS release without Eduardo 'Gato' Alquinta who passed away in 2003. Irreparable loss for the band and fans, but life goes on and LOS JAIVAS decided to keep the flame burning - Carlos Cabezas, band's collaborator since 1999, singer and multi-instrumentalist, and Gato's kids, Aurora (lead vocals), Ankatu (guitar) and Eloy (sax), completed the line-up. Soon Aurora left, and in the the year 2004 another tragedy overtook the band - Eloy Alquinta died of heart attack. Francisco Bosco (woodwinds, sax, backing vocals) replaced him. Vocal duties are shared now between Mario Mutis and Carlos Cabezas.

I hardly imagined LOS JAIVAS without Gato and was little afraid to see only a pale copy of great band. Fortunately this DVD is a good confirmation to the fact that the band is strong as ever.

In 2006 Chilean Navy (!) invited LOS JAIVAS to play concert on Easter Island (Rapa Nui). I guess if all other navies and armies will follow the way of their Chilean colleagues and, instead of fighting or learning to fight, start to organize shows of good artists, peace on Earth will be reality soon:)). Thus LOS JAIVAS spent two weeks on the island, observing its beautiful landscapes and mysterious statues, preparing the show, rehearsing, meeting old and new friends end even writing new poems (Eduardo Parra). Big team (film crew, Rene Olivares, KARI KARI ballet, Chilean Navy Orchestra, Orquesta Infantil Rapa Nui) participated in this really big project - final titles, listing all persons involved, run about 10 minutes.

Main 117-minute programme of this DVD contains about 80 minutes of music played live, alternating with footage of Rapa Nui landscapes, the band offstage, dialogues and comments by Eduardo Parra (by the way, he is a good story-teller; if you, like me, don't speak Spanish, switch on subtitles). I can say LOS JAIVAS music sounds extremely natural in exotic surroundings of Easter Island. All songs are played in their entirety, without been interrupted by dialogues (the only exception is ''Aguamarina'', containing some conversations). During of almost each song we see the band, KARI KARI ballet and sometimes both orchestras onstage, then we see them somewhere by the ocean or in some part of the island. Though the montage is always interesting, often with a touch of humour and never annoying. The whole film has a warm atmosphere of beauty and people's unity.

Now to the songs.

Danzas starts with long intro, played on trutrucas, and then develops into one of the most intriguing instrumental epics with great keyboard work by Eduardo Parra.

Canción del Sur - one of the most beautiful LOS JAIVAS songs, filled with the warmth of Southern night and the freshness of ocean breeze. Beautiful singing by Mario Mutis (before watching this DVD I didn't know how good his voice is, not the strongest voice ever, but so pleasant), one of the band trademarks - excellent duet of Parra brothers - Claudio on piano and Eduardo on synthesizers, is also here. Prog at its best.

Aguamarina - simple but nice song, lead vocals by Carlos Cabezas.

Tan lejos del sol - another nice tune, originally from ''Hijos de La Tierra'' album, again sung by Carlos Cabezas. He is now one of two lead singers in the band, his voice differs from Gato's but suits good to LOS JAIVAS music.

Cerro de La Virgen - joyful and catchy song (from Mamalluka), performed with Chilean Navy Orchestra and Orquesta Infantil Rapa Nui. Interesting rhythm changes though rather in a folk manner. Good guitar (Ankatu Alquinta) and charango (Carlos) solos.

Creación collectiva (Collective creation) - non-concert track, jazzy improvisation played by the band in the rehearsal room. Francisco Bosco on sax. Interesting to see another side of LOS JAIVAS.

Ojos que miran al cielo - new work, mellow instrumental piece played by Claudio Parra on piano with some synth horus by Eduardo.

Ka reva nei seems is a traditional song of love to Easter Island ("I leave you and I'll cry for you, but someday I'll be back") sung by the leader of KARI KARI in Rapa Nui language. Nice, folkish, nostalgic.

Mira Niñita is a famous LOS JAIVAS ballad from "Todos Juntos" album. In this concert it is dedicated to Gato Alquinta. First part is sung by KARI KARI in Rapa Nui language, then Mario Mutis sings in Spanish. Good guitar and piano solos.

Tarka y Ocarina - probably the most interesting track for prog fans here. Extended to almost 20 minutes in this concert, great work of all musicians, Claudio Parra on piano and Ankatu Alquinta on guitar deserve a special mention. Breathtaking.

Todos Juntos - perhaps the most powerful version of this song I ever heard. Played here exactly "todos juntos" (i.e. by all musicians involved in the concert, including two orchestras and dancers, and with the help of audience). Fiery bongo (Mario Mutis) and drum (Juanita Parra) solos in the final section. A great finale to the show. Nice to see so many faces of happy people.

Release details also need to be mentioned. I wish more DVDs of different artists to be produced with such quality level. Picture (excluding few short backstage scenes) and sound quality are top notch. Subtitles in many languages are very helpful to non-Spanish audience. Lots of interesting extra features, I especially like "Temas Musicales" - musical themes of the concert included in the film without dialogues etc - similar to DVD + CD sets, but you don't need to pay double price.

Excellent concert of a great (still great) band. Probably some prog purists we'll be less enthusiastic than I, but who cares? All in all it's my review and my rating. 5 stars.

I hope new live and studio LOS JAIVAS releases will follow and they will be of highest quality.