Day 1 – BajaProg

Afternoon at the Hotel Araiza

Time’s Forgotten

A progressive metal band from Costa Rica. They seem to be still looking for their identity. Very good musicians and their set was clean. The crowd got bored after the first few songs. Juan Pablo, the keyboardist and composer is very talented.

2 Stars

Tom Griesgraber and Jerry Marotta

This duo finished the afternoon session with melodic new age sounds produced by one of the greatest Stick players, Tom Griesgraber.

3 Stars

Evening at the Teatro Del Estado

They had to change the line up. Indukti was replaced by Fromus.

Cast

Opening the show playing their new material. They have added guitarist Claudio Codero from Matraz. Cast a Neo-Progressive Genesis inspired band has been playing for over 20 years. Their new direction in style didn’t seem to work at times. The keyboards seemed over powered most of the songs.

2 Stars

http://kenwestphal.com/Fromuz/index.html - Fromuz

I had never listened to this band from Uzbekistan, but WOW everyone was blown away. A progressive jazz fusion band with an incredible unique sound, with virtuous guitar player Vitaly Popeloff sound like a cross between Robert Fripp and Steve Vai. The drummer Vladimir Badirov reminds you of John Bonham with his power and rhythm. There are 2 keyboard players that add underlying textures and solid bass from Andrew  Mara-Novik.

5 Stars