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SABICAS – Rock Encounter With Joe Beck

- In my eternal quest to Prog Andaluz music, I stumbled upon this unique and very interesting musical project from 1966, probably the first musical encounter between flamenco and rock music!
- In those days Joe Beck was a respected composer and rock guitarist, he had played in symphonic orchestras and performed with the top names in rock and jazz (from Tim Hardin to Steve Gadd). After making the album Middle Eastern Rock with Oud player John Berberian, Joe’s producer Harvey Cowen suggested Joe to do the same with flamenco and rock. He succeeded to recrute flamenco guitar legend Sabicas (1912-1990, thanks to Sabicas his brother Diego because he wanted Sabicas to scout the musical boundaries. Now Joe decided to assemble the best New York era musicians: drummer Donald McDonald (in The Satyrs he had jammed with Frank Zappa, Ritchie Havens and Jimi Hendrix), 20 year old bass player Tony Levin (introduced to jazz and rock by Steve Gadd, later he joined Peter Gabriel his band and King Crimson, playing on the distinctive Stick) and keyboardplayer Warren Bernhardt (he has accompanied singers like Donald Fagen, Carly Simon, Art Garfunkel, Ritchie Havens and Liza Minelli), wow, what an awesome line-up!

1. Inca Song (5:15) : The first and final part deliver the jaw-dropping art of the flamenco guitar, from twanging and rhythm to speedy runs (‘picados’), very exciting! Halfway an accellaration featuring a powerful rhythm-section, howling electric guitar and an organ solo. This is the typical 1966-1969 Sixties rock sound and it’s captivating to hear the blend of passionate flamenco guitarwork and raw rock.
2. Joe's Tune (3:49) : This track contains a Morish atmosphere with flamenco guitar, jazzy piano and again howling electric guitar, culminating in an exciting duel between wah-wah drenched electric guitar and speedy flamenco guitar runs.
3. Zapateado (9:36) : This word means ‘tapping with the shoes’, it’s all about speed and control in a cheerful climate. The first part contains pure flamenco with guitar and ‘zapateado’, the second part sounds like Jimi Hendrix inspired rock, two different worlds but very enthralling!
4. Zambra (4:02) : The ‘zambra’ is the most Morish influenced flamenco rhythm and Sabicas is a master in playing the ‘zambra’ (my recommendation: the DVD Sabicas: King Of The Flamenco). You can also enjoy the ‘tremolo technique’ (imagine the guitar piece Recuerdos De La Alhambra by F. Tarrega), wonderful! Then rock with organ and fiery guitar, very powerful with that warm undertone of The Sixties.
5. Handclaps (0:31) : In the flamenco it is named ‘palmas’, a very distinctive part of the flamenco.
6. Flamenco Rock (7:25) : Halfway this album the bands starts to rock, in a bluesy climate we can enjoy a blend of Hammond organ, howling electric guitar and exciting flamenco guitar (from picados to tremolo), this is great Prog Andaluz!
7. Bulerias (7:25) : This track contains vocals in the flamenco tradition (very emotional), it fits perfectly with the compelling work on Hammond organ and sensitive electric guitar, the blend of flamenco and rock sounds like early Triana, goose bumps!
8. Farruca (4:45) : The first part contains the art of the flamenco guitar (beautiful tremolo), then a slow rhythm with swirling Hammond organ, powerful drums and bass and Paco De Lucia-like flamenco guitar runs, again goose bumps, what a hot session!

- The circumstances in the recording studio were not easy: it was hard to communicate between the Spanish guitarist and the English musicians and it’s still very difficult to amplify an acoustic guitar and also quickly overshadowed rock instruments like the drums, bass, guitar and organ. Sabicas was not really satisfied about the result (“I did it for my brother”) but in my opinion this album contains lots of captivating and exciting musical moments. And especially from the song Flamenco Rock the musicians seem to have reached a kind of chemistry, it sounds like ‘embryonal’ Prog Andaluz. Highly recommended to all Prog Andaluz aficionados,  fans of progressive folk music and adventurous progheads!

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erik neuteboom Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Prog Reviewer Joined: July 27 2005 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 7659	Posted: July 02 2008 at 09:33
	SABICAS – Rock Encounter With Joe Beck - In my eternal quest to Prog Andaluz music, I stumbled upon this unique and very interesting musical project from 1966, probably the first musical encounter between flamenco and rock music! - In those days Joe Beck was a respected composer and rock guitarist, he had played in symphonic orchestras and performed with the top names in rock and jazz (from Tim Hardin to Steve Gadd). After making the album Middle Eastern Rock with Oud player John Berberian, Joe’s producer Harvey Cowen suggested Joe to do the same with flamenco and rock. He succeeded to recrute flamenco guitar legend Sabicas (1912-1990, thanks to Sabicas his brother Diego because he wanted Sabicas to scout the musical boundaries. Now Joe decided to assemble the best New York era musicians: drummer Donald McDonald (in The Satyrs he had jammed with Frank Zappa, Ritchie Havens and Jimi Hendrix), 20 year old bass player Tony Levin (introduced to jazz and rock by Steve Gadd, later he joined Peter Gabriel his band and King Crimson, playing on the distinctive Stick) and keyboardplayer Warren Bernhardt (he has accompanied singers like Donald Fagen, Carly Simon, Art Garfunkel, Ritchie Havens and Liza Minelli), wow, what an awesome line-up! 1. Inca Song (5:15) : The first and final part deliver the jaw-dropping art of the flamenco guitar, from twanging and rhythm to speedy runs (‘picados’), very exciting! Halfway an accellaration featuring a powerful rhythm-section, howling electric guitar and an organ solo. This is the typical 1966-1969 Sixties rock sound and it’s captivating to hear the blend of passionate flamenco guitarwork and raw rock. 2. Joe's Tune (3:49) : This track contains a Morish atmosphere with flamenco guitar, jazzy piano and again howling electric guitar, culminating in an exciting duel between wah-wah drenched electric guitar and speedy flamenco guitar runs. 3. Zapateado (9:36) : This word means ‘tapping with the shoes’, it’s all about speed and control in a cheerful climate. The first part contains pure flamenco with guitar and ‘zapateado’, the second part sounds like Jimi Hendrix inspired rock, two different worlds but very enthralling! 4. Zambra (4:02) : The ‘zambra’ is the most Morish influenced flamenco rhythm and Sabicas is a master in playing the ‘zambra’ (my recommendation: the DVD Sabicas: King Of The Flamenco). You can also enjoy the ‘tremolo technique’ (imagine the guitar piece Recuerdos De La Alhambra by F. Tarrega), wonderful! Then rock with organ and fiery guitar, very powerful with that warm undertone of The Sixties. 5. Handclaps (0:31) : In the flamenco it is named ‘palmas’, a very distinctive part of the flamenco. 6. Flamenco Rock (7:25) : Halfway this album the bands starts to rock, in a bluesy climate we can enjoy a blend of Hammond organ, howling electric guitar and exciting flamenco guitar (from picados to tremolo), this is great Prog Andaluz! 7. Bulerias (7:25) : This track contains vocals in the flamenco tradition (very emotional), it fits perfectly with the compelling work on Hammond organ and sensitive electric guitar, the blend of flamenco and rock sounds like early Triana, goose bumps! 8. Farruca (4:45) : The first part contains the art of the flamenco guitar (beautiful tremolo), then a slow rhythm with swirling Hammond organ, powerful drums and bass and Paco De Lucia-like flamenco guitar runs, again goose bumps, what a hot session! - The circumstances in the recording studio were not easy: it was hard to communicate between the Spanish guitarist and the English musicians and it’s still very difficult to amplify an acoustic guitar and also quickly overshadowed rock instruments like the drums, bass, guitar and organ. Sabicas was not really satisfied about the result (“I did it for my brother”) but in my opinion this album contains lots of captivating and exciting musical moments. And especially from the song Flamenco Rock the musicians seem to have reached a kind of chemistry, it sounds like ‘embryonal’ Prog Andaluz. Highly recommended to all Prog Andaluz aficionados, fans of progressive folk music and adventurous progheads!

erik neuteboom Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Prog Reviewer Joined: July 27 2005 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 7659	Posted: July 02 2008 at 04:38
	Last evening/night it was great weather in Holland and I decided to celebrate this on my balcony with some good beers (Gulpener Korenwolf White beer, Kriek Bruxelles and Grimbergen Optimo Bruno ) and ... some good Prog Andaluz, I was delighted about this 2-CD: DUENDE ELECTRICO Last week a read a topic in which somebody was wondering why there were/are so few progrock ideas from Spain. Well, this 2-CD set is a perfect introduction to the wonderful and exciting world of the Spanish progressive rock, loaded with great progrock ideas! The Spanish word 'duende' is used in the art of the flamenco, it pointed at the extraordinary moments when a flamenco artist has total communion with the audience. These moments are rare but very special, often accompanied by "ole's" (this has nothing to do with the awful and cruel bullfights!). On this 2-CD set you will find lots of duende between flamenco and progrock, I compare it with the unique and compelling blend of folk and progrock from Los Jaivas! On CD1 there is a lot of variety from bands and musicians, the songs are recorded between 1975 and 1994. SMASH delivers a powerful blend of rock, blues, flamenco and Sixties (Stones, Yardbirds) featuring fiery electric guitar and typical Spanish vocals. ICEBERG, IMAN and GUADALQUIVIR make strong and captivating symphonic jazzrock with a Morish undertone and great interplay between guitar and kebyoards, supported by a dynamic rhythm-section. GUALBERTO plays a flamenco guitar piece entitled "Tarantos para Jimi Hendrix", it sounds as an exciting blend of rock and flamenco featuring violins and electric - and acoustic guitar. Another good track is "Al Andalus" from Spanish rock legend Miguel Rios: it contains a typical Morish atmosphere, distinctive vocals from Miguel Rios and a swinging and catchy rhythm. Of course Spanish most pivotal progrock band TRIANA is included, they play "Quiero contarte" featuring wonderful melancholical vocals and compelling progrock. The track "Aires de la Alameda" from ALAMEDA contains strong Spanish vocals and wonderful piano, it's typical 'Rock andalus' just like the final song "Hablo de una tierra" featuring a very moving duet from the violin-Mellotron and flamenco guitar! CD2 contains songs from bands and musicians that are recorded between 1986 and 1996. MEDINA AZAHARA plays heavy progressive with echoes from Marillion, the track "Paseando por la mezquita" is their most Morish/flamenco inspired and sounds powerful and moving. PATA NEGRA (featuring the Amador brothers) plays an exciting blend of rock, blues and flamenco on acoustic guitars. RAIMUNDO AMADOR is also included with the band ARRAJATABLA, they deliver another exciting blend of progrock and flamenco with excellent electric guitar work. A known new band is KETAMA with their strong blend of pop, rock and flamenco featuring typical Spanish vocals. A fine surprise is the music from (again) RAIMUNDO AMADOR in "Ay que gustino pa mis orejas", he plays an unique mix of Bob Marley inspired reggae (with organ and typical rhythm-guitar) and flamenco, very swinging! Another known new band is MANTECA, included with the track "Tarila": a fusion-like mix of flamenco guitar and jazzy piano and saxophone. The final song is from DIEGO THE MORON, he is joined by members from GRANADA, the composition "Despertar (a 'rondena')" delivers a great blend of flamenco guitar and lush keyboards, typical 'Rock andalus'. THIS 2-CD SET IS A PERFECT INTRODUCTION TO THE EXCITING WORLD OF THE SPANISH PROGROCK! www.progwalhalla.com Edited by erik neuteboom - July 02 2008 at 04:43

erik neuteboom Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Prog Reviewer Joined: July 27 2005 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 7659	Posted: June 27 2008 at 15:13
	Andrea, the great thing in the music of Alameda, Iman and Guadalquivir is the blend of flamenco, jazzrock and symphonic rock, unique and very exciting, good luck with your Prog Andaluz quest Here is my latest Prog Andaluz discovery: This is a very captivating musical journey that scouts the borders between rock, blues, jazz and .. flamenco, it features the legendary flamenco guitarplayer Sabicas and a 20 year old bass player named Tony Levin, he was invited by Sabicas in 1966 to join this project, what an eye for talent

Andrea Cortese Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 05 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4411	Posted: June 27 2008 at 10:28
	Thanks for the recommendation, Erik. I hope to re-start soon the lucky e-bay researches... I found all of the prog andaluz items there at accessible prices... Next on my list: Alameda, Iman Califato, Guadalquivir. Edited by Andrea Cortese - June 27 2008 at 10:28

erik neuteboom Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Prog Reviewer Joined: July 27 2005 Location: Netherlands Status: Offline Points: 7659	Posted: June 24 2008 at 16:59
	As I said in another thread Andrea: the best Italian move I have seen this week ! About Abre La Puerta, check out this DVD: En Gira (Live 2000) by MEDINA AZAHARA This is the second DVD release by Medina Azahara, the popular 'heavy progressive' rockband from Spain. It's an official video release (1991) from a concert in 2000 and has been put on DVD in 2003. If I compare it to the other DVD entitled "En concierto" this DVD will appeal more to progheads although most songs are tasteful mainstream rock featuring strong harder-edged guitarwork (with echoes from Blackmore and Vai) and functional keyboardplay (some soli on organ and synthesizers). The rhythm-section sound very tight and propulsive, the hugh blond lead singer has a very warm and often emotional stage peformance. The lightshow is beautiful (including pyrotechnics) and the crowd reacts enthousiastic to the music, often due to singer Manuel who runs around and search for contact with the fans in the vein of David Byron and Mick Jagger but less theatrical and self-indulgent. The best moments on this DVD are the harder-edged renditions from the Triana songs "Abre la puerta" (great vocals) and "El lago" (emotional community singing), the exciting guitar/keyboard solo-duel, the wonderful ballad "Otono", the flamenco- inspired "Paseando por la mezquita" and the final track "A toda ese gente", a warm goodbey from a very tight and enthousiastic band that is still alive and kicking after 25 years! VERY DRIVEN PROG AND ROLL!!

Andrea Cortese Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 05 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4411	Posted: June 24 2008 at 16:52
	Yesterday I've added to the site an interesting video of Medina Azahara which is taken from their latest record SE ABRE LA PUERTA. It's an exciting homage to the pivotal prog andaluz band TRIANA with the superb classic Abre La Puerta. Highly recommended!!! Just look at the bottom of the homepage!!

Andrea Cortese Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 05 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4411	Posted: April 02 2008 at 09:56
	Ah, good to read reviews like this. Thanks, Cesar! Eclectic Prog (Studio Album, 1980) 3.00/5 (1 ratings) MEDINA AZAHARA — La Esquina del Viento Review by Cesar Inca (César Inca Mendoza Loyola) Special Collaborator Symphonic Prog Specialist — First review of this album — Medina Azahara's second album finds them following the trend initiated in their debut album (ultimately, their highlight). La Esquina del Viento successfully prolongs the preceding effort's momentum in their fluid hybrid of melodic hard rock and flamenco-based symphonic prog, although it is not too hard to notice that the band is a bit less concerned with exploring their melodic ideas' potential: songs tend to be shorter and the instrumental sections are less developed. The keyboard input assumes a bigger presence in the band's ensemble, with its layers and orchestrations being more featured in the mix and having more places for soloing; nonetheless, guitarist Miguel Galán remains the most featured instrumentalist. From their third album onwards, the band's artsy aspect will begin to wane, but let's not get ahead of ourselves right now. La Esquina del Viento kicks off in a very splendid fashion with 'El Rincón de Mi Mente', a magical travel to the wonders of instrospection powerfully signaled by an impressive intro section and moving sung lines. The symphonic core so well displayed in this opener finds proper reiterations in the album's slow songs: 'Una Mañana de Mayo' and 'Tiempo de Miseria' both bear a blues-rock tempo on a slow beat, in this way guaranteeing the preservation of a solem mood and eerie keyboard layers while each track evolves. I wouldn't have minded if these two songs lasted some more time, since I think that their feeling could have been exploited with more expansive arrangements. Another track that definitely should have lasted more is the closer Amanece en la Ciudad, whose odd time signatures and rich melodies make it an aborted progressive piece that barely makes it to the 3 1/2 minutes span. 'Las Flores Blancas' does comprise a proper duration for its basic development. The catchiest tracks in the album are 2 and 5, really quite good, based on tasteful melodies that are elegantly arranged: 'Sueños de Locura' is much inspired by classic Uriah Heep, while the title track (the album's first A-side single) bears a majestic feel despite not being too sophisticated in structure. Track 6 is the least relevant, just a nice up- tempo optimistic track that adds nothing special to the big picture. Well, all things considered, tracks 1, 3, 5 and 7 are the most notable in the album: not as essential as their fantastic debut, but still worthy of a place in a prog collector's desk. Report this review (#165533) \| Posted Wednesday, April 02, 2008, 09:49 EST Review Permalink \| Submit a review for this album \| Buy this album from PA partners

Andrea Cortese Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 05 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4411	Posted: April 02 2008 at 08:49
	P.S. I've just ordered La Estacion de los Suenos (Medina Azahara 2005). Curious to listen to this one! Edited by Andrea Cortese - April 02 2008 at 08:50

Andrea Cortese Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 05 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4411	Posted: April 02 2008 at 08:47
	I was wondering how few are the PA members from Andalusia (or Spain in general). Never seen posts from anybody of that beautiful nation in this topic. It's a real pity. It would be useful for the prog-andaluz genre. Now it languishes between the hundreds of old threads. Very few people or collaborators seem to be interested in. It's up to us, then, since Erik departure. And I wish he came back. It would be great to see prog andaluz reaching the status of an independant genre... Edited by Andrea Cortese - April 02 2008 at 08:48

Andrea Cortese Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 05 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4411	Posted: April 01 2008 at 16:54
	^^^ Indeed. A pair of songs from each of their three albums. Sound great and exciting. Some vague jazz-rock influence here and there... Edited by Andrea Cortese - April 01 2008 at 16:54

micky Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: October 02 2005 Location: . Status: Offline Points: 46838	Posted: April 01 2008 at 16:48
	^ nice site.. haven't seen that one before...
	The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip

Andrea Cortese Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 05 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4411	Posted: April 01 2008 at 16:41
	Web site where to listen to Cai's tunes. Highly recommended by Erik and never seen before so I refresh the memory of us all. Audio to discover Cai: http://www.caimasalla.com/audio.htm

micky Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: October 02 2005 Location: . Status: Offline Points: 46838	Posted: April 01 2008 at 16:41
	hahahah.... maybe a little duel might stoke the fire a bit... I'm sitting here in silence. Time to start my homework for my reviews. Triana's albums in the player.... I'll have some time to review them this weekend Andrea.
	The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip

Andrea Cortese Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 05 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4411	Posted: April 01 2008 at 16:37
	^^^ ...

micky Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: October 02 2005 Location: . Status: Offline Points: 46838	Posted: April 01 2008 at 16:30
	sh*t .... I will this weekend Andrea...
	The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip

Andrea Cortese Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 05 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4411	Posted: April 01 2008 at 16:26
	...still waiting patiently

Andrea Cortese Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 05 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4411	Posted: March 29 2008 at 17:43
	I do wait patiently...

Andrea Cortese Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: September 05 2005 Status: Offline Points: 4411	Posted: March 23 2008 at 17:24
	I'm waiting for that, then. For now I've put another one on the shelf: Carmen's Dancing on a Cold Wind. Another wonderful album! Edited by Andrea Cortese - March 24 2008 at 06:52

micky Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: October 02 2005 Location: . Status: Offline Points: 46838	Posted: March 23 2008 at 15:33
	great Mezquita review Andrea. I really do love it... and I'll try to contrast it vs. the Triana albums. Hope my intellect is up to the challenge hahahha.
	The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip

micky Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Reviewer page Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator Joined: October 02 2005 Location: . Status: Offline Points: 46838	Posted: March 23 2008 at 15:15
	awesome... I'll reciprocate with some Triana reviews
	The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip

The Prog Andaluz Aficionado Thread

En Gira (Live 2000)

by MEDINA AZAHARA

— First review of this album —