JAYECHE

Pretty much. After his first album that gave the name to his (by then) new band "Ofrenda", Hermano was showing more jazz inclination in a couple of songs. In here, about 80% of the album is fusion, taken by jams ("Playa De Agua"), songs much in the vein of Di Meola-Lenny White version of Return To Forever ("Cariaco" & "Caracas Para Locos"; "La Restinga" could be included in this category but in a lesser sense, for it's more consonant and constant) or smooth latin-jazz ditties ("Cerro El Avila") and mixed with the unforgettable venezuelan rhythm on a yet fusion lexeme ("Catatumbo") and more symphonic, yet very short songs ("Canchunchú Florido"). I must add that I prefer the live version of "Playa De Agua" found in "Ofrenda - En Vivo" than this version, which is less dynamic and lacking the power that the former had injected.

Not a masterpiece, but well crafted and carefully made "fusion" album by whom appeared in the beginning to be a symphonic progressive rock artist. I must have adverted to symphonic progressive fans about the lack of the "symphonic sound" in this album. For me it just confirms the overwhelming versatility and musicianship of Vytas & Co. 3.55 stars, rounded to 4.