METÁFORAS DE LUZ

Cai is a legendary formation from the captivating Rock Andaluz movement, the unique blend of progressive rock and the ethnic Andalusian flamenco (speerheaded by the unsurpassed Triana), where Moogs, Mellotrons and Hammonds meet the jawdropping art of the flamenco guitar and the passionate vocals. Between 1979 and 1981 the band released three studio-albums featuring a very tasteful blend of styles, with the focus on symphonic rock, jazz rock and, of course, flamenco. Their second effort entitled Noche Abierta is generally considered as one of the finest Rock Andaluz gems. After a live CD in 1981 the band disbanded but, like many known Rock Andaluz bands from the Seventies, re-united, along with Iman, Mezquita, Gualdalquivir and Ibio. Re-union festivals with these bands are available, highly recommended!

The re-united Cai feature two founding members: Jose A.F. Mariscal (guitars, bass and keyboards) and Diego Fopiani (drums and vocals), the line-up is completed with keyboard player Blas Lago. Many re-united Prog Andaluz bands played on festival, also Cai and then they made a new studio-album entitled Metaforas De Luz.

In general the 8 songs sound flowing and harmonic with a fluent rhythm-section, often the focus is on soli on piano, synthesizer and electric ? and acoustic guitars. In comparison with the previous 3 studio albums, Cai plays on Metaforas De Luz more jazz rock, especially the powerful guitar with fiery and howling runs. During my highlight El Monte De La Cruz the band sounds even pretty similar to Gualdalquivir (another excellent and legendary Rock Andaluz formation). The distinctive Rock Andaluz element is most present in the track Por Mi Camino (wonderful Fender Rhodes piano sound and fiery guitar) with emotional Spanish vocals (strong flamenco undertone). The vocals have always been a beautiful part of Cai their unique sound, on this album half of the 8 tracks feature vocals and again very beautiful. From romantic (in Africa) to melancholical (in the ballad Si Te Vas, flooded with soli)

Despite the short running time this is a strong and convincing return by Cai, here's it's quality above quantity.