The Prog Andaluz Aficionado Thread
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Topic: The Prog Andaluz Aficionado Thread
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Subject: The Prog Andaluz Aficionado Thread
Date Posted: September 15 2007 at 05:52
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Hello fellow Prog Andaluz aficionados.
Today I have decided to boost the very unique and most widespread blend of folk and progressive rock: the PROG ANDALUZ, a compelling meeting of progressive rock and flamenco and a captivating musical encounter of the UK wealthy upper-stiff lip era and the poor Andalusian world in the Southern part of Spain.
When I started to work for Prog Archives in early 2004 I wrote the biography for Triana, the band that speerheaded the Prog Andaluz movement, here it is as a start of this thread:
TRIANA biography
Progressive music sub-genre: http://www.progarchives.com/subgenre.asp?style=4 - Symphonic Prog TRIANA is the most legendary progressive rockband in Spain. Their stunning debut-album was a seminal blend of flamenco and progrock and paved the way to flamenco-inspired progrock in Spain, culminating in bands like AZAHAR, CAI, ALAMEDA, QUALDAQUIVIR, MEZQUITA and MEDINA AZAHARA. The story of TRIANA started in Seville, the beating heart of the flamenco. Jesus de la Rosa (keyboards/vocals) was a known musician in the local music scene and he even had international success with "Los Bravos" and their single "Black Is Black". But he wanted to form his own band to make progressive rock, so he recruited Eduardo Rodriquez Rodway (vocals/guitar) and Juan Jose Palacios ‘Tele’ (drums/percussion). The trio called themselves TRIANA, named after the most traditional part of the town and they moved to Madrid. With some help they were allowed to record their music in a studio with highly advanced equipment.
In ’74 "Triana" first released a single titled "Bulerias 5x8" (it became a failure) and then the debut album "El Patio" (’75). Unfortunately their flamenco-progrock did little, eventually the album sold 1000 copies. But after a big presentation in Madrid in ’76, things started to improve and in ’77 the second album "Hijos Del Agobio" came out, followed by the single "Rumor". The emotional lyrics (about hope after the end of general Franco’s dictatorship) were embraced by the Spanish youth when the radio started to play "Rumor". TRIANA’s music boosted the youth’s identity and it gave them a way to show their emotions. And how ironically, TRIANA’s music became less progressive while the band became more and more famous. Their third LP "Sombra Y Luz" (’79) sold 300.000 copies and from the fourth album "Encuentro" (’80) TRIANA turned out to be Spain’s most popular rockband. Further releases were "Triana" (’81) and "Llego El Dia" (’83) but then the story ended very sad because in ’83 Jesus de la Rosa died in a tragic car incident and the other musicians decided to call it a day. Record company Fonomusic released some compilations, especially the beautifully packed 2-CD "Una Historia" (’95) is recommended. The opener on the first album "El Patio Is Abre La Puerta" (almost 10 minutes), it starts with choir-Mellotron, piano and flamenco guitar (tremolo-technique). Then the typical sensitive and skillful flamenco guitar blends with piano and soft synthesizer chords. A fluent and tight rhythm-section carries the music to a powerful acceleration with the typical flamenco vocals, expressive and a bit wailing. The rest of this song contains lots of shifting moods that range from mellow with flamenco guitar and choir-Mellotron to propulsive with powerful drums and howling electric guitar, very moving. Most of the other six compositions are in the vein of "Abre La Puerta": beautiful shifting climates with typical flamenco elements like palmas (handclapping), rasgueado (quick downward strikes across all strings) and picados (quick runs on the guitar with two fingers), along with tasteful keyboards (organ, synthesizers, Mellotron and piano) and fine electric guitarplay. The final two tracks are splendid compositions: beautiful interplay between the flamenco – and electric guitar and a bombastic finale with rasgueado, organ and electric guitar in "En El Lago" and powerful drums and a howling and biting electric guitar in "Recuerdos De Una Noche". The second album "Hijos Del Agobio" is in the vein of "El Patio" but fails to generate the same excitement and the third "Sombra Y Luz" only sparks at some moments like the compelling titletrack. Later albums are tasteful but too polished poprock. I hope you will join and support this thread, give you opinion and will help to give recommendations or advises, don't hesitate to post your thoughts and ideas, thanks in advance
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Replies:
Posted By: rambibambi
Date Posted: September 15 2007 at 21:01
| this sounds very interesting.I am very glad you posted this. I would have probably dug them up sooner or later but this makes it so much faster.. I like Spanish sounding sounds. I have had modest eperience but only with some folkish and folk rock bands from Galicia and Asturias..and some flamenco guitars. I am likely to check the highlighted albums. Thanks! |
Posted By: avestin
Date Posted: September 15 2007 at 23:19
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A great "scene" with great bands and albums. Erik had a wonderful started about this two years ago, but it's good to start a new one. I'll let him mention the wonderful bands like http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=457 - MEZQUITA , http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=828 - TRIANA and others.
Related to this, be on the lookout for the interview with the fantastic Spanish band Senogul which Erik and I did together and will post soon here on PA. ------------- http://hangingsounds.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - Hanging Sounds http://www.progarchives.com/ProgRockShopping.asp" rel="nofollow - PA Index of prog music vendors |
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: September 16 2007 at 01:23
I am looking forward to read that interview!
Lately i have been listening a lot to Triana, really a worth listening  , there are some good videos on youtube, i dont remember if some are posted here but you could search for them.------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
avestin wrote:Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: September 16 2007 at 04:35
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Thanks for posting fellow Prog Andaluz aficionados, I hope this thread
will deliver lots of interesting information, here is the special I wrote for this site:
THE PROG ANDALUZ TRIANA, the band that spearheaded the Prog Andaluz
The bands A/Z:
Alameda - Todas Las Grabaciones En CBS 1979-1983
 - Here is a 2-CD by Spanish progrock band Alameda featuring all the tracks from their four studio-albums, released between 1979 and 1983. If you are up to Spanish progressive rock, don't miss this excellent compilation, what an exciting encounter between progressive rock and flamenco, the ethnic music from Andalusia (the southern part of Spain). The 32 elaborate compositions sound very pleasant, melodic, harmonic and varied, from romantic and dreamy to bombastic symphonic rock or swinging jazzrock. The Spanish vocals are outstanding: powerful, emotional and that typical flamenco undertone (without the usual wailing experssion), this man gives many tracks an extra dimension! Alameda plays very professional: a splendid, very fluent rhythm- section, tasteful keyboards (from soaring strings to swinging piano and sensational synthesizer flights) and often exciting guitarwork, both electric as flamenco (with contributions from legends Tomatito and Paco De Lucia).If you want to discover the Spanish prog or you like Triana, Cai or Azahar, this comprehensive two set is yours! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! AZAHAR - Elixir
 - This Spanish four-piece band made two fine albums, this is their first one. It’s released in a beautiful digipack FOC that contains the lyrics, a band picture, a short story and the tracking-list. If you compare AZAHAR’s music to TRIANA, MEDINA AZAHARA or MEZQUITA their sound on the nine compositions (between 3 and 6 minutes) is more laidback and more atmospheric, featuring tasteful keyboards (lush Solina string-ensemble waves, warm piano chords, sumptuous synthesizer runs), sensitive, often howling electric guitar, some fine flamenco guitar and strong, typical Spanish vocals (emotional and expressive). The running time is only 37 minutes but here it’s quality above quantity. A nice album but their next (and final) eponymous album is their best.
AZAHAR - Azahar  - In the early Nineties I bought a few Sirius magazines (former Spanish progrock fanzine) in order to improve my poor school Spanish. I noticed an add in which the known Spanish proghead Angel Romero was offering his entire progrock LP collection. I got in touch with him (we shared a negative view on the awful tradition of bullfights!) and he explained that he was suffering from an increasing dust-allergy, how sad. I asked him for advise to buy Spanish progrock records from him. Nowadays AZAHAR’s second eponymous album is still one of my favorites, the debut-album was entitled “Elixer”. The difference between these two CD’s (released by Fonomusic) is that the second sound far more mature. The eight compositions (running time between 2 and 10 minutes) are more varied and elaborated. The guitarplay is sensitive featuring short but powerful soli and some exciting flamenco guitarwork. The Spanish vocals has a typical Spanish undertone, very warm and expressive. The keyboards sound lush and have a pleasant variety: strings, organ, synthesizers, clavinet and acoustic – and electric piano. The rhythm-section plays dynamic, Spanish people have a natural feeling for rhythm! This CD is a very fine example of the unique Spanish progrock: harmonic, melodic and tasteful compositions above self- indulgence.
CAI - Noche Abierta  - CAI was a harmonic Spanish quintet with Diego Fopiani Macias (drums/vocals), Jose A. Fernandez Mariscall (guitar), Francisco Delgado Gonzalez (guitar), Sebastian Dominguez Lozano (keyboards and piano) and Jose Velez Gomez (bass/vocals). They released three albums entitled "Mas Alla Mentes Diminutas" (’78), "Noche Abierta" (’80) and "Cancion De La Primavera" (’81). The second and third album are released as a 1-CD. The album "Noche abierta" (1980) is one of the gems of Spanish progressive rock. The seven tracks sound pleasant with warm Spanish vocals, tasteful keyboards (piano, strings, synthesizers and organ) and sensitive electric guitar. The integration of "the art of the flamenco" guitar gives this progrock an extra dimension. If you like melodic and tasteful seventies prog, embellished with some flamenco, this one is for you! CAI — Cancion de la Primavera Cai is a top notch Spanish progrock band that made three studio-albums, this is their final effort.
1. El viaje (4:38) : A very pleasant and melodic sound featuring wonderful Spanish vocals (warm and a bit melancholical undertone), tasteful keyboards (including a fluent synthesizer solo), twanging electric guitars and a strong rhythm-section.
2. Tu mirada (3:12) : This one delivers a mid-tempo with a jazzy synthesizer solo, handclapping and fiery electric guitar, supported by sparking piano play.
3. Mercadillo del piojito (4:32) : A track thats sounds like a very dynamic blend of jazzrock and symphonic with splendid interplay, beautiful string-ensemble and Fender Rhodes piano. The powerful and moving guitarwork reminds me of Carlos Santana (his jazzrock-era). GREAT!
4. Donde tu estas (3:52) : First classical piano and warm vocals, then a slow rhythm with the wonderful string-ensemble sound, blended with sparkling piano. The final part contains sensitive, often howling electric guitar and soft synthesizer flights.
5. Fiesta en el barrio (3:38) : "Fiesta" is Spanish for "party", no surprise that the climate in this song is cheerful (a 'latin feel') with a swinging rhythm and excellent interplay between the guitar and keyboards.
6. Caletera (2:44) : It starts with the distinctive Fender Rhodes piano sound, then a mid-tempo featuring sensitive eelctric guitar and again the wonderful string- ensemble sound!
7. Camino a seguir (4:24) : This one has a pleasant mid-tempo with a swinging bass, beautiful electric guitarplay and emotional vocals.
8. Cancion de la primavera (4:40) : The final track delivers a cheerful atmosphere with lush keyboards, expressive vocals and great interplay between the guitar and keyboards, supported by a dynamic rhythm-section.
- Don't expect very complex music or typical progrock with lots of soli and shifting moods. Just enjoy the wonderful melodic and harmonic music from just another wonderful Spanish progrock gem! GUADALQUIVIR - Guadalquivir  - Once Gualdalquivir was the support act from Spanish legend Triana and they also were the support-band for another Spanish rock legend named Miguel Rios. The music from Guadalquivir is instrumental progressive jazzrock/fusion on a high level, it reminds of Return To Forever: tight, powerful, excellent soli and dynamic and pleasant compositions. I’m delighted about the guitarplayers, one of them sounds like the Andalusian Carlos Santana! If you want to discover Guadalquivir, start with their first eponymous album. IMÁN CALIFATO INDEPENDIENTE — Califato Independiente
1. Tarantos del Califato Independiente (20:46) : The title points at a strong rhythm in the flamenco music. First a wonderful string- ensemble sound in a sultry atmosphere with twanging guitars and electric guitar play with a strong Morish undertone. Then lots of shifting moods with great guitar-synthesizer interplay (evoking Iceberg) and exciting soli on guitar and synthesizer, a piece with lots of percussion. The final part delivers a slow rhythm with a beautiful and very sensitive electric guitar solo, accompanied by a lush string-ensemble sound, goose bumps!
2. Darshan (8:30) : Again those wonderful strings, followed by great interplay between guitar and synthesizer with the support of a very adventurous rhythm-section. Next a howling guitar solo and an accellaration with fat, pitchbend driven synthesizer flights and a duel between guitar and synthesizer in a captivating atmosphere that blends Prog Andaluz and jazzrock.
3. Cerro Alegre (7:33) : The intro delviers fragile piano work and sensitive twanging classical guitar, then a swinging rhythm with sparkling piano and flamenco rhythm guitar. Halfway a fiery guitar joins, supported by a powerful bass and subdued harpsichord runs. Next a part with bluesy Fender Rhodes electric piano that gradually changes into an exciting interlude with a guitar solo that sounds like the Andalusian Carlos Santana (Caravanserai-era) and culminates in a swinging rhythm, Prog Andaluz meets jazzrock, what a dynamic and cpativating musical experience!
4. Cancion de la Oruga (5:32) : This is a beautiful piece that starts with dreamy twanging classical guitar, soaring keyboards and warm vocals, then a mid-tempo featuring fat synthesizer runs with a Morish undertone and propulsive percussion.
- This is a very exciting fusion of Prog Andaluz and jazzrock, highly recommended!
IMÁN CALIFATO INDEPENDIENTE — Camino del Aguila
1. La marcha de los enanitos (10:30) : This album opens with a mid-tempo rhythm delivering strong interplay with a Morish undertone between electric guitar and synthesizer and propulsive percussion. Then an exciting build-up from a sultry climate to a gradually more dynamic atmosphere with mindblowing work on a fat sounding synthesizer and fiery guitar with howling runs, supported by a lush string-ensemble sound, very compelling, what a dynamic blend of Prog Andaluz and jazzrock!
2. Maluquinha (6:29) : In a swinging rhythm again we can enjoy the Andalusian Carlos Santana, accompanied by exciting percussion and a fluent synthesizer solo.
3. Camino del aguila (14:00) : The titletrack sounds very alternating with an awesome rhythm-section, great interplay between guitar and synthesizer (like Iceberg) and lots of interesting musical ideas, from a howling, Morish inspired guitar solo and a catchy rhythm with strong interplay between all musicians to guitar work in the vein of Steve Howe on Relayer (Yes) and a flashy synthesizer solo.
4. Niños (3:05) : A wonderful dreamy, quite melancholical piece, first with spacey keyboards, twanging Spanish guitar and warm vocals, then sensitive classical guitar runs, slow synthesizer flights and a lush string-enesemble sound, this is the mellow side of Iman and I love it too!
- Iman delivers a very exciting fusion of Prog Andaluz and jazzrock, highly recommended!
MARTIN, JUAN - Picasso Portraits  - Juan Martin is a flamenco player who wanted to broaden his musical horizon, just like PACO DE LUCIA did by founding a trio with JOHN MACLAUGHIN and AL DIMEOLA in the early Eighties. Juan moved to England, wrote books about the flamenco guitar technique and played together with rock musicians. This album is one of his many musical projects and in my opinion his best and a great one to discover for the visitors and reviewers of this site. On this album Juan Martin has invited an impressive list of guest musicians: drummer IAN MOSLEY (TRACE/MARILLION), bass player JOHN GUSTAFSON (QUATERMASS/ROXY MUSIC), SIMON PHILLIPS (one of the best session drummers) and keyboardist TONY HYMAS (both on the splendid JEFF BECK albums “Wired” and “There and back”). The result is an exciting meeting between the world of the flamenco guitar and the progressive rock, this is one of my favorite LP’s and recently released as a digitally remastered CD version.
1. Harlequin: First soaring keyboards from Tony Hymas and then exciting interplay between the quick flamenco guitar runs and a dynamic rhythm-section (Phillips/Gustafson), embellished by the typical flamenco handclapping. 2. Desire Caught By The Tail: This is a sensitive duet from the flamenco guitar and the synthesizer (Memorymoog). Halfway there is a sensational break featuring sweeping drums, spectacular synthesizer sounds and rattling castannettes followed by a mid-tempo with splendid runs on the guitar and a fine colouring by the keyboards. 3. Three Musicians: We can enjoy a swinging and catchy rhythm with a funky bass by John G. Perry, powerful drums from Ian Mosley and exciting rasgueado play (quick downward strokes from the nails on the guitar strings). 4. Sleeping Girl: This piece is in the vein of the famous romantic guitar piece “Romance d’amor” delivering a sensitive duet from a twanging acoustic guitar and mellow sparkling piano, WONDERFUL! 5. Self Portrait: The start is like “Spanish caravan” from The Doors: a bit sultry flamenco guitar, culminating in spectacular and propulsive interplay between the flamenco guitar, rhythm-section (Mosley/Perry) and keyboards, it sounds pleasantly bombastic. 6. The Aficionado: An exciting blend of typcial flamenco elements (based a ‘bulerias’, one of the more complex flamenco rhythms) and the technical sound of the progrock: handclapping and quick flamenco runs blended with a funky bass (Gustafson) and pitchbend-driven Moog flights from Hymas, VERY SPECTACULAR! 7. Girls Of Algiers: This one is based on a ‘zambra mora’, the most Arabian-influenced flamenco rhythms. First swelling keyboards, drums and bass, then great interplay between the flamenco guitar, keyboards and rhytm-section, its sounds very dynamic. The tension between the spectacular Moog flights from Hymas and the quick runs on the flamenco guitar delivers a captivating climate, in the end there is a magnificent duel, this is perhaps the finest moment on this album! 8. Weeping Woman: Here is the only solo guitar track from Juan Martin, it introduces you to the wonderful art of the flamenco guitar and sounds very varied with halfway a great build-up, very moving. 9. The Picador: The ‘malaguena’ is perhaps the most famous flamenco rhythm, you will recognize it for sure! It is a cheerful climate with catchy and powerful interplay from the flamenco guitar, rhythm-section and keyboards featuring sensational Moog runs. Halfway the music slows down and then goes faster and faster until an ebullient atmosphere, what a ‘grand finale’! This album is not just another smooth rumba-drenched blend of flamenco and rock but an excellent meeting of the flamenco guitar and the progressive rock, highly recommended!! MEDINA AZAHARA - En Al-Hakim  — This my favorite studio-album from MEDINA AZAHARA, in my opinion their most mature, varied and symphonic effort. The opener “Al Hakim ... otro lugar” has that typical Morish climate, strong and expressive Spanish vocals and pleasant synthesizer flights (in the vein of Mark Kelly). The ballad “Otono” has become one of the ‘crowd-pleasers’: a slow rhythm featuring emotional vocals, tender pianoplay, bluesy guitar riffs and some fiery and howling electric guitar. Next is “Velocidad”, a simple but catchy up-tempo rock song delivering some fine synthesizer runs. On “La guitarra” guest musician Vicente Amigo (nowadays one of the leading flamenco guitarists!) enters the scene with a compelling acoustic guitar intro and then quick runs, accompanied by expressive vocals (this is the flamenco spirit) and later a fiery electric guitar and sensational synthesizer flights, what an exciting contrast with the acoustic flamenco guitar play! It’s bluestime in “El destino” but MEDINA AZAHARA adds an extra dimension by blending expressive flamenco guitar, moving mouth-organ, wailing Spanish vocals and harder-edged electric guitar, what an emotional experience, goose bumps! “Dejame vivir” (heavy electric guitar solo) and “Tal como es” (swinging piano solo) are two simple up-tempo rocksongs in the vein of “Velocidad”, tasteful but predictable. The final track “Desde Cordoba” features again the excellent Vicente Amigo on flamenco guitar, this time he delivers exciting duels with Paco Ventura’s hard-edged electric guitar, again goose bumps!
MEDINA AZAHARA - En Vivo (Live)  — This is the most popular Spanish rock band in the post-TRIANA era. In 1990 they released the double-LP “En Vivo”, on this live recording the band succeeded to capture the great live atmosphere and it contains all their best work. MEDIANA AZAHARA delivers on my 1- CD release version “En Vivo” (running time almost 75 minutes) a powerful blend of rock and ‘heavy progressive’. The keyboards from Pablo Rabadan have obvious hints from Mark Kelly (synthesizer flights), Manual Martinez his vocals sound inspired and emotional and the rhythm-section Randy Lopez on bass and Manuel Reyes on drums is strong and tight (sometimes too). But the focus is on Francisco Ventura’s varied and powerful guita rplay, he gives the tasteful arranged compositions a special flavour with his harder-edged but sensitive play, like Ritchie BLACKMORE meets Carlos SANTANA! Discover this top notch Spanish prog rock band: from the catchy “Velocidad”, the beautiful ballad “Otono”, the stage favourites “Amiga”, “Se” and “Hacia Ti” to the highlight “Paseando Por La Mezquita” (compelling Morish undertone and moving crowd participation, goose bumps!) and the up- tempo rock version from “El Lago”, a legendary track from TRIANA’s eponymous debut- album. MEZQUITA - Recuerdos De Mi Tierra http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_CD.asp?cd_id=2402">
 — The album ”Recuerdos De Mi Tierra” from ’79 contains six inventive and compelling tracks with exciting interplay between electric guitar and synthesizer, strong and expressive Spanish vocals, the emotional flamenco guitar and some handclapping (palmas). This is certainly one of my favourite Spanish prog rock albums because the atmosphere has such a typical Morish and Andalusian undertone like early TRIANA.
MORON (Diego De) — Diego De Moron http://www.esflamenco.com/product/en67312733.html">
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The Spanish progrock quartet Imán Califato Independiente has its origins at a convention, given by the meditation guru Maja-raj-ji, in the mid Seventies. Like genuine hippies, the musicians lived together in one house in El Puerto De Sta. Maria and eventually they founded Iman and in ‘78 they made this debut album, entitled Iman Califato Independiente, two years later followed by the LP entitled Camino Del Aguila. Iman also appeared on the Spanish compilation albums Rock Andalus (’94) and Duende” (’97, a 2-CD).
My second musical passion is flamenco, the ethnic music from Andalusia, the poor but beautiful, Morish influenced region in Southern Spain. So I embrace every attempt from a progrock band to blend prog with flamenco (like Triana, Cai and Mediana Azahara) or every flamenco artist who invites progrock musicians to make music (like Juan Martin with his excellent album “Picasso portraits” featuring Tony Hymas and Simon Phillips). On this album flamenco guitarist Diego De Moron is accompanied by members from the known Spanish progrock bands Triana and Granada, a very promising combination! Don’t expect music like Triana, Cai or Mediana Azahara, this music is less symphonic, the focus is on the art of the flamenco guitar. But if you are up to flamenco and progressive rock, Diego De Moron delivers wonderful and often very exciting music. The album contains eight tracks, four with contributions from members from Triana and four with members from Granada. Diego plays the typical flamenco rhythms like Bulerias, Alegrias, Tarantas and Tangos, embellished with typical flamenco guitar techniques like picados (quick runs), tremolo (a trembling sound) and rasgueado (quick downward strokes with the fingers nails). At some moments you hear soaring strings and synthesizers, a very compelling musical experience! The highlight is the most symphonic track entitled “Despertar” (almost 8 minutes) featuring two members from Granada on keyboards: a lush synthesizer intro, followed by warm flamenco guitarplay, handclapping (palmas) and a beautiful string sound with a fine rhythm- section (drums/bass). Another good composition is “Suenos rotos” featuring the “Media granaina” (where Robby Krieger from The Doors based his guitarplay on during “Spanish caravan”): the intro has lush synthesizers and the climate is very moving because of the intricate flamenco guitarplay. IF YOU LIKE FLAMENCO AND PROGROCK, THIS CD IS A MUST!!
Posted By: rambibambi
Date Posted: September 16 2007 at 07:53
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I saw that big thread of unknown prog bands of Erik's- my dear God, good man! Awesome job! I certainly have something to investigate now. Imust say am very impressed. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: September 16 2007 at 16:08
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Muchas gracias, Rambibambi
Here is an excellent 2-CD compilation to start your Prog Andaluz quest:
HIJOS DEL AGOBIO Y DEL DOLOR (2-CD)
 - After the great compilations Rock Andalus (CD) and Duende Electrico (2-CD), here is a new and excellent doorway to the captivating and often exciting Spanish progressive rock: a box set entitled Hijos Del Agobio Y Del Dolor (subtitle: Pioneros Y Origines Del Rock Andaluz) featuring a 2-CD and a docu DVD. On CD 1 and 2 you will find many legendary socalled Rock Andaluz bands like Triana, Medina Azahara, Qualdalquivir, Mezquita, Azahar, Alameda, Iman and Cai. These bands, spearheaded by Triana, blended several styles like symphonic rock, hardrock, jazzrock and rock with flamenco, the ethnic music from Andalusia (Southern Spain): the one moment you will be carried away by a virtuosic flamenco guitar intro, palmas (handclapping) or wailing, expressive vocals, the other moment you will be stunned by howling electric guitar, Hammond and Mellotron waves or quick synthesizer flights, a very exciting experience! Also featured are interesting groups that are more mixing flamenco with blues and rock like Miguel Rios (intricate Morish atmosphere) and All & Nothing (flamenco with swinging piano and fiery guitar) or bands with strong flamenco overtones like Camaron De La Isla (pleasant flamenco guitar work but also a flashy synthesizer solo) and Vega (accessible and catchy flamenco-pop). The band The Storm is more in the vein of Rare Bird and Procol Harum delivering a Hammond organ drenched sound. CD-2 is more focussed on special sounding bands like Tabletom (swinging mix of flute, saxophone and piano) and Gualberto (wonderful blend of flamenco, raw electric guitar and vintage keyboards like the string-ensemble), the bluesy Cuarto Menguante and the Sixties band Tarantos (1969) delivering a pleasant mix of pop, rock and flamenco. My highlight is the track Nuevo Dia by Lole Y Manuel featuring moving female vocals, wailing cello, some Mellotron and great flamenco guitar work, an exciting, very compelling song! The DVD is a docu about the development of the Spanish progressive rock between the late Sixties and early Seventies, focussed on the known band Smash. Their guitarplayer Gualberto tells his story along many other legendary or known early Spanish progressive rock musicians. The docu also contains stories about the Underground scene, the drugs, the gypsies and the blend of flamenco and fusion. Unfortunately there is little live footage from bands, only some shots from Gong and Smash but no Cai, Triana or Azahar. Nonetheless, this docu (in Spanish, not subtitled) is a warm and pleasant view on an unique progrock scene. If you want to discover the exciting Spanish progrock scene, this box set is a must!!
P.s.: later I will publish my reviews about the other CD compilations Rock Andalus and Duende Electrico.
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: September 17 2007 at 16:27
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Here are the other great Prog Andaluz two compilations:
ROCKANDALUS (Various artists)
 For me it is obvious that the Spanish progrock is the most prolific, distinctive and exciting blend of ethnic music (often the Andalusian flamenco) and progressive rock in the world. It emerged in the second half of the Seventies, speerheaded by the legendary Triana. This review is dedicated to all those progheads who appreciate or want to discover the Spanish progressive rock
This CD compilation is a perfect introduction, it contains 16 tracks from 5 known bands: Alameda, Medina Azahara, Iman, Cai and Guadalquivir. The lion’s share is by Alameda (6 songs). In general they sound a bit sentimental featuring romantic violins, tender piano, flamenco guitar and almost tearjerking vocals. One of the best compositions on this CD is also by Alameda, it’s titled Amanecer En El Puerto and contains beautiful, omnipresent keyboards and strong, moving vocals. Another good track from Alameda is Al Caer with its sultry, typical Morish atmosphere. A very known band is Medina Azahara, the successor of the legendary Triana but more harder-edged and less flamenco inspired. On their three contributions La Esquina Del Viento, Paseando Por La Mezquita (great guitar riff that blends hardrock and flamenco) and Andalucia they deliver an enthousiastic approach with catchy rhythms, Mark Kelly-like synthesizer flights, powerful, often emotional vocals and pleasant variation. From Iman we got also three songs: the beautiful acoustic Ninos (from their debut-CD released by Musea), Tarantos (wonderful floating guitar sound) and Cancion De La Oruga (very warm and pleasant climate). One of the finest blends of flamenco and progrock is from Cai on the track Noche Abierta: a wide range of keyboards and exciting flamenco guitar work. Their other song Sone Contigo delivers strong, melancholical vocals and senstitive electric guitar. Finally there is Quadalquivir with their powerful and dynamic jazzrock-oriented progrock sound. The interplay is great, the keyboard runs are impressive and the guitarplay is excellent, here is the Andalusian Carlos Santana! THIS IS ESSENTIAL SPANISH PROGROCK, WHAT A MASTERPIECE!! DUENDE ELECTRICO (Various artists) 
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! In the forthcoming days I will tell you something about the roots of my fascination for Prog Andaluz and the reason why I think it should be a new category on Prog Archives.
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Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 17 2007 at 18:07
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Hi Erik (thanks for PM),
I'm interested to explore the vast prog andaluz scene and I'm happy with this new thread! I hope to receive my copy of Mezquita's Recuerdos... very soon! Just a question for you: could other prog band blending symphonic within folk coming from outside spain be included in this cathegory? I'm thinking about prog from latin america (Los Jaivas for instance). Or it's only a flamenco inspired prog "movement"? |
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: September 17 2007 at 21:48
you'll love it Andrea... I love that album.. was in the first batch of Prog Andaluz albums I ordered ...and still may be my favorite. ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: September 18 2007 at 04:29
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Thanks for posting fellow Prog Andaluz aficionados
. About the category Prog Andaluz:
It is a totally unique musical movement that blends flamenco and progressive rock (often symphonic rock but also blues, rock and psychedelia). The flamenco as we know it (I don't want deliver a historical story about the development of flamenco) is rooted in Southern Spain, in the region Andalusia, the poor and very dry part of that country. There are obvious Arabian undertones in the music (like in the Zambra) because of the long occupation by The Morish people from Arabia. For the Andalusian people (in general the poor gypsies) music was their way to express the emotions and they did with dancing (baile), singing (cante), handclapping (palmas), the rhythmic stamping and tapping of the heels (zapateados) and playing guitar (toque). They developped a both very skillfull as expressive kind of music (often melancholical overtones) that is only played in Spain (UK/Spanish band Carmen is one of the few exceptions), especially in Andalusia and the city Seville is considered as the cradle of the flamenco. Triana is the band that speerheaded the Prog Andaluz from the mid-Seventies, their name is derived from the most dedicated flamenco area in Seville. Triana inspired bands like Cai, Azahar and Mezquita and many, many bands in Spain (from Gualberto and Smash to Miguel Rios and Goma) and later Medina Azahara who are considered as the successors of Triana (they stopped in 1983 when their keyboardist/singer Jesus De La Rosa died of a car accident). So in my opinion Prog Andaluz is the most unique and most widespread (in Spain) blend of progressive rock and folk/ethnic music and therefore deserves a special category
By the way, just look at the 3 abovementioned Prog Andaluz CD compilations, is there any other blend of folk and prog that manages to deliver this amount of music?
I just added Alameda to my Prog Andaluz special in an earlier post.
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Posted By: Dirk
Date Posted: September 18 2007 at 06:41
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I listened to El patio again a few times the last days. It's indeed a very good listen that needs some attention, not a good album to listen to when doing others things.For me En Lago stands out on this album. Overall i agree with Sean Trane's review about this band. I think i'll try Mezquita next. |
Posted By: Norbert
Date Posted: September 18 2007 at 08:27
| Unfortunately, I really don't know much about this form of prog, but it sounds very exciting. |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: September 18 2007 at 09:27
Ok, I understand now. Flamenco is the key of the genre. Other latin-hispanic-portuguese traditional sounds and musics are out (like Los Jaivas as well).
Thanks Erik.
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Posted By: debrewguy
Date Posted: September 18 2007 at 13:17
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Don't forget Iman Califato Independiante, Gotic, Los Canarios. Iman, especially, always gets good comments when I play for friends.
------------- "Here I am talking to some of the smartest people in the world and I didn't even notice,” Lieutenant Columbo, episode The Bye-Bye Sky-High I.Q. Murder Case. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: September 18 2007 at 13:44
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Iman is a good call, Debrewguy but in my opinion Gotic and Los Canarios are Spanish Progressive Rock, not Prog Andaluz.
Dirk, Mezquita is one of the most exciting examples of Prog Andaluz, strong Morish undertones.
Norbert, the problem with Prog Andaluz is that not every proghead likes the a bit wailing Spanish vocals, especially on the early Triana albums. But if you have no problem with it, there is a world to discover!
Indeed Andrea, flamenco is the key-element in Prog Andaluz and I love it since I was 16 years old, I will tell you later about the start of that passion
 |
Posted By: debrewguy
Date Posted: September 18 2007 at 14:09
OOPS, sorry. I do like Triana, but I find it a stretch at times to call it prog. Mind you, for me some of the folk prog is a stretch, too. But it's still good stuff. ------------- "Here I am talking to some of the smartest people in the world and I didn't even notice,” Lieutenant Columbo, episode The Bye-Bye Sky-High I.Q. Murder Case. |
Posted By: glass house
Date Posted: September 18 2007 at 14:18
I've got the El Patio cd, what's not prog about that?
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Posted By: debrewguy
Date Posted: September 18 2007 at 17:45
While I'm getting into their music, I find that the flamenco influenced parts tend to be the ones that stick in my mind right away. I have to admit to a preference for electric guitars & keyboards. But I haven't thrown Triana out. There's still something in their music that makes me want to come back for more, though lately Hijos Del Agobio is the one I'll put on more often (which is not much as I've picked a couple of newer CDs in the past month). ------------- "Here I am talking to some of the smartest people in the world and I didn't even notice,” Lieutenant Columbo, episode The Bye-Bye Sky-High I.Q. Murder Case. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: September 18 2007 at 18:33
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Until now I am very glad with the views and replies, thanks  P.s.: I have updated the Prog Andaluz Special with more reviews and cover pictures, see my main source: http://www.dlsi.ua.es/~inesta/Prog/SPE/index.html - http://www.dlsi.ua.es/~inesta/Prog/SPE/index.html
Audio to discover Cai: http://www.caimasalla.com/audio.htm - http://www.caimasalla.com/audio.htm
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: September 20 2007 at 05:56
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AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT …. ..... how to become a Prog Andaluz aficionado! My story starts in the Sixties during my salad days (I am born in 1960) when my parents used to play records with ethnic music from Latin-America (from mariachi to Andean folk), Greece, Russia and Roumania. So I got familair with the sound of music from other countries at a very early age and this has strongly influenced me. When I grew up I and got in touch with progressive rock in the mid-Seventies, my fascination for ethnic music remained and I started to discover the Indian raga (of course Ravi Shankar albums, a legend since Monterey Pop) and .. the Spanish flamenco, boosted by the fact that the Dutch flamenco association was situated in my hometown The Hague. They organised a lot of concerts under the title ‘Fiesta Gitana’ so soon I was carried away by the virtuosic guitarwork and the exciting dancing, handclapping (palmas), tapping with the heels (zapateado) and the emotional, often very compelling flamenco atmosphere (called ‘duende’ when there is a kind of ‘total communication’ between the audience and the flamenco artists). I started to buy records from Paco Pena (who had become a flamenco guitar teacher on the Rotterdam conservatory in The Netherlands) and Paco De Lucia who had a worldwide hit with his composition Entre Dos Aguas. One day I was at the home of Peter van der Laan, one of the legendary Dutch progheads. When I told him about my passion for flamenco, he took a dive into his impressive progrock collection and showed me the first three albums of Triana, a magical moment and from the very first moment I listened to the music of early Triana, I was a Prog Andaluz aficionado! He promised me to record the three Triana albums on tape, a few weeks later I received those Triana tapes and my Prog Andaluz quest has begun. The next band to discover was the Spanish/English formation Carmen with their wonderful three albums (my favorite is Fandangos In Space) but then it stopped for a long time ..until I stumbled upon Greg Walker his amazing progrock label Syn-Phonic in the late Eighties. In his catalogue I read about other Prog Andaluz bands like Mezquita, Cai and Azahar, I was sheer euphoric, ordered those albums and started to check out the other Prog Andaluz bands like Alameda, Gualdalquivir, Iman and Medina Azahara, the rest is history!
I am very glad that I get the opportunity to tell you about the Prog Andaluz here on Prog Archives, I am very pleased with the many positive reactions from you, I wish you good luck with your Prog Andaluz quest!
 |
Posted By: Dirk
Date Posted: September 20 2007 at 06:59
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I've ordered the Mezquita album , see how it compares to the very good El Patio. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: September 20 2007 at 10:10
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Well Dirk, I have the idea that after Triana their first album El Patio, Mezquita with Recuerdos De Mi Tierra is the second best acclaimed Prog Andaluz album
YouTube Prog Andaluz:
Triana: http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=qx3HCAWoAso - http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=qx3HCAWoAso
Triana: http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=zKMt2SDvYYg - http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=zKMt2SDvYYg
Medina Azahara: http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=Rirn5L1bp9Q - http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=Rirn5L1bp9Q
Medina Azahara: http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=vgp5XJVVypY - http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=vgp5XJVVypY
Cai: http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=gy78zrGYFHE&mode=related&search - http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=gy78zrGYFHE&mode=related&search
Guadalquivir: http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=qNKYHySqGRY&mode=related&search - http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=qNKYHySqGRY&mode=related&search
Iman: http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=6BqwJC7al1U&mode=related&search - http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=6BqwJC7al1U&mode=related&search
Muchas alegrias
 ! |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: September 22 2007 at 18:30
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Yesterday I had a Messenger chat with Eduardo from Senogul, he is looking forward to the interview Avestin and I are preparing, of course we will talk about Prog Andaluz
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Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 03 2007 at 06:29
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Hi Erik,
I've ordered my first TRUE prog andaluz record (until now I only own Carmen's first and second albums): Triana's El Patio on CD.
It's difficult to find these items on cd in europe...
I'm also interested in Triana's Hijos de Agobio but I haven't find it on cd anywhere.
I'm also curious about Medina Azahara's En Al Hakim...
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: October 03 2007 at 08:15
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Good to see some fellow collaborators who are willing to post in this thread or interested in Prog Andaluz, Andrea, thanks Try: mailto:[email protected] - [email protected] , that's my friend from Progwalhalla, he has many good contacts in Spain to even get the rarest albums on CD, good luck!
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Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 06:53
Arrived!
 |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 06:55
Hi Erik. I've contacted Hans. He said he can purchase Triana's Hijos de Agobio.
 |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 06:59
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Great Andrea, I am sure you will love that album, especially the 3 tracks that feature new flamenco guitar hero Vicente Amigo Perhaps it will be the start for a further exploration of the Prog Andaluz? Anyway, I am looking forward to your review!
Hans is a wizard, yesterday Nightfly send me a PM in which he said to be very grateful that he got Fireballet at Progwalhalla
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Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 06:59
| I'm still waiting for my copy of El Patio. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 07:02
The more you have to wait, the more you will appreciate that final moment you can listen to El Patio by Triana (one of my All Time Top 10 Progrock Albums)  !
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Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 07:03
Yep. Despite some obvious and typical 80s sound (on electric guitar and drums) the use of flamenco guitar (great) and morish vocals create a very original fllavour.
I'm curious to listen to Triana's El Patio and Hijos de Agobio.
Alameda or Mezquita the next choices.
 |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 07:06
On about Imàn Califato Indipendiente I think this would be a useful one:
 |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 07:07
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It's true Andrea, some songs on En El-Hakim sound a bit polished but, as you have noticed, that special Prog Andaluz flavor colours the album very tasteful and distinctive. The 2-CD compilation by Alameda is awesome and Mezquita is excellent, also one of the most distinctive Prog Andaluz albums, a very Morish atmosphere
About Iman, I have their first two albums on 1 CD, very dynamic and great work on keyboards and guitar, quite jazzrock flavored. So that Iman compilation album will be a perfect choice
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Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 11:52
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Hi Erik, what about Omni, i have just bought their album called "Solo fue un Sueño", have not listened to it yet but seems to be a good one, the band call themselves Rock Progresivo Andaluz. ------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: Nightfly
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 13:28
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Excellent stuff here Erik. I don't have any Spanish Prog in my collection but I will investigate further for sure. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 14:05
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Thanks for your support today, fellow aficionados, I was afraid that this thread was doomed to the vaults of the Forum Nightfly: thanks for the compliments, if you want to check out the Prog Andaluz, I recommend the first two Triana albums and Mezquita as the most distinctive Prog Andaluz bands but Alameda, Azahar and Iman are also worth to discover, see my reviews for more details.
Memowakeman, about Omni, I don't consider it as Prog Andaluz, just read my review:
OMNI – Solo Fue Un Sueno (***1/5) - Omni is a Spanish six piece band, rooted in the late Eighties. This is their third album, released in 2007 and again it contains pure instrumentally music. The sound of Omni on Solo Fue Un Sueno has obvious echoes from Seventies Camel and also reminds me frequently of Dutch Camel-inspired bands Lady Lake and especially Odyssice (it could have been their new album!): very melodic, flowing and often sensitive guitar work (compelling in Noche En Malandar, fiery in Telescopio de Papel en biting wah-wah in Espíritu Libre), omnipresent interplay between guitar and keyboards, some pitchbend driven Minimoog sounding soli (like in Telescopio de Papel and the dreamy final song Salto al Abismo) and finally the use of saxophone (sultry in El Tren De Rota). Like Seventies Camel the sound by Omni is like a ‘warm bath’ as on the Camel albums Mirage and Moonmadness, my favorite Camel-era. Along the strong guitarwork, the keyboard player colours the compositions very tasteful with varied vintage keyboards like the Fender Rhodes electric piano, the violin-Mellotron (wonderful intro on Noche En Malandar), Minimoog synthesizer, Solina string-ensemble and the Hammond organ (swirling solo in the alternating highlight Espíritu Libre). This is not very original symphonic prog but it sounds wonderful with very good work on guitar and keyboards and tasteful arranged compositions.
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Posted By: avestin
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 14:10
I have their albums (in digital format) but I will buy this soon.
This is their combined releases and recordings, right?
------------- http://hangingsounds.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - Hanging Sounds http://www.progarchives.com/ProgRockShopping.asp" rel="nofollow - PA Index of prog music vendors |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 14:36
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Avestin, Iman released two albums, in 1978 and 1980 and on this CD is written on the cover "todas sus grabaciones" which means "all their recordings" so I presume this CD includes all tracks from their 1978 and 1980 albums. Look at this: http://www.califatoindependiente.tk/ - http://www.califatoindependiente.tk/ |
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: October 14 2007 at 21:56
Neither do i, after listening to them, though they consider Prog Andaluz themselves, we don`t , nice review as usual ------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 31 2007 at 10:42
 Finally, my copy has arrived!!!!!!!!!!!
 Now I'm waiting for Hijos del Agobio...
 |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: October 31 2007 at 12:28
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That's good news Andrea, these albums belong to my Ultimate Progrock Album Top 25 How about the En El-Hakim by Medina Azahara review, I am looking forward to your opinion! |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: October 31 2007 at 14:58
Well, En Al Hakim is a good album, especially for those tracks with spanish flamenco acoustic guitar and morish vocals which is simply superb
. Some people here were amazed by its sound.On the other hand, the sound of the second and the third songs is a little bit too much polished but it's common for the eighties.
I'm curious to put my hands on their debut.
I have to say El Patio is superb. I don't know if it has to be called a masterpiece, maybe it's too soon for me to say that, but what I've heard sounds impressive, especially Se De Un Lugàr which is my favourite one and more symphonic.
 I'm curious to listen to Hijos Del Agobio.
On about other bands, probably I will go for Guadalquivir or Imàn Califato...what do you suggest to purchase first?
P.S. Erik, have you had the opportunity to listen to Indexi's Modra Rijeka? It's simply wonderful especially for its peculiar rough symphonic sound and free/strong bass playing and soloing. A must have. I have fallen in love with progressive movement from (ex) Yugoslavia. You wouldn't imagine such a high quality!
Leb i Sol's Rucni Rad os also very interesting for symphomaniac 'cause it mix typical Mahavishnu aggressiveness within Camel melodic symphonic prog. The previous Leb i Sol 2 is also a miliar stone in that country prog scene.
...oh, oh, it's not the topic where to speak about that...
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: October 31 2007 at 15:07
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Andrea, good to read your enthousiastic words about Triana, I hope this will inspire the progheads on this site Thanks for your recommendations, I will check out the bands you mentioned.
By the way, last week I wrote a review about the acclaimed album Voci by Luciano Basso, I am the first and only one who wrote a review while so many RPI fans are talking about it in the many threads about the RPI bands
 .. But back to Prog Andaluz: I am delighted about the Alameda compilation and the Iman 2-CD, so compelling and so unique
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Posted By: Cesar Inca
Date Posted: October 31 2007 at 20:53
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Here’s OMNI, the current continuation-preservation of Prog Andaluz’s heritage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOXUn9oaLt4 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOXUn9oaLt4 & http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6GTHSf-wKM - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6GTHSf-wKM |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: November 01 2007 at 06:19
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Thanks Cesar but to me the current Omni sound is more close to Seventies Camel than it has elements from Prog Andaluz.
Cesar, do you know or there is a DVD from that Prog Andaluz bands festival that took place one or two years ago, including bands like Cai?
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Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: November 13 2007 at 06:31
 Arrived!!
Well, it's truly a more sad and dark orientated album as the (beautiful) cover itself.
Excellent at first listen, but let me the chance of more spinnings 'cause it's quite different from their debut...
I hope the new genre of prog andaluz will be soon welcomed here at Progarchives... I think it's possibile and highly recommendable due to the common peculiarities of that scene.
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: November 13 2007 at 08:59
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Well Andrea, I am glad you like the second effort by Triana, indeed more dark. About the categorie Prog Andaluz, I have never understood the objections, also because we still have Indo/Raga-rock on Prog Archives. But I am happy with this thread, thanks for your contributions, I appreciate this very much And now I hope more progheads will follow your Prog Andaluz quest! |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: November 13 2007 at 10:14
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Thanks Erik.
Now Im waiting for Tako's 1978 debut (from ex yugoslavia).
On about prog andaluz my next purchase will be the boxset of Medina Azahara's 1979-1982 Grabaciones (their first three albums...for 15 euros only it seems an advantageous purchase) or Alameda or Guadalquivir or Califato...who knows?
 =
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000006Z70/sr=8-1/qid=1194966610/ref=dp_image_0/105-6110442-9836403?ie=UTF8&n=5174&s=music&qid=1194966610&sr=8-1">
 (1979)+
 (1980)+
 (1982)BTW, this scene is prolific and particularly interesting for all the prog listeners.
P.S. how about Triana's third record Sombra y Luz? I know it's their last truly interesting album 'cause after that they changed to more commercial areas (and more wider success in Spain).
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000P29A3Q/ref=dp_image_0/105-6110442-9836403?ie=UTF8&n=5174&s=music">
 |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: November 13 2007 at 12:51
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Sombra Y Luz has some very good moments but also some tracks that fail to keep my attention. Best buy is that 2-CD set with the DVD entitled Se De Un Lugar The first 3 Medina Azahara albums for 15 euro's, that is really a bargain! The Alameda 2-CD compilation is awesome, genuine Prog Andaluz, highly recommended
: http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=11233">
 Prog Folk (Boxset/Compilation, 2003) Avg: 4.00/5 from 1 ratings http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=11233 - ALAMEDA — Todas Las Grabaciones En CBS 1979-1983 Review by http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=3684 - erik neuteboom (erik neuteboom) Special Collaborator Symphonic Prog Expert — First review of this album —
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: November 13 2007 at 12:56
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Yep,
the same goes for Guadalquivir and Califato. It is possible to purchase many records at the "bargain price of 15 euros for each compilation.
- Guadalquivir - Grabaciones 1978-1980
http://cgi.ebay.it/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=230079667259&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=013#ebayphotohosting">
 - Imàn Califato Indipendiente - Grabaciones 1978-1980
http://cgi.ebay.it/IMAN-CALIFATO-INDEPENDIENTE-grabaciones-1978-1980-CD_W0QQitemZ230079679493QQihZ013QQcategoryZ307QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting">
 |
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: November 13 2007 at 12:59
sounds like my kind of album... and I don't have that one   ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: November 13 2007 at 13:17
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Hi Micky. Well, Triana are great, their debut is highly recommendable!
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Posted By: micky
Date Posted: November 13 2007 at 13:21
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I have the debut Andrea. .and it's fabulous.. .just never got to getting the 2nd album The 2nd one there sounds like something up my alley Hope all is well... don't see enough of you. ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: November 16 2007 at 12:56
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^^^
Hi Micky, all is fine here. Exam days are coming....
Hope you and Raffa are fine too.
On about prog (symphonic) from Spain in general, I think this could be useful, even if there are bands that don't play andaluz prog.
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Posted By: micky
Date Posted: November 16 2007 at 17:16
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great list Andrea.. I have many of those.. but not all that will be the next area I really dive deep into ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: November 16 2007 at 17:26
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by the way.... I do strongly recommend to any of our posters, who haven't heard it, that they check out Ciclos. that is symphonic prog..... and a fabulous album.. ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: NotAProghead
Date Posted: November 16 2007 at 19:11
I had great expectations with this album. When, at last, I received quite expensive copy of the album, I was disappointed.
Music of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" is so bright and memorable.
Los Canarios, in my opinion, made it too long and extremely boring.
Maybe I don't understand something, but better check before buying this album.
P.S. Oh, it is appreciation thread, nevertherless I think some critics have the right to live. ------------- Who are you and who am I to say we know the reason why... (D. Gilmour) |
Posted By: Nightfly
Date Posted: November 17 2007 at 05:42
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This is all very interesting stuff and another avenue I must explore. How easily available are these albums? Erik - I haven't forgotten about your recomedation of Triana. I will have to get in touch with Hans at http://www.progwalhalla.com/ - http://www.progwalhalla.com/ in the near future. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: November 17 2007 at 08:19
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Paul, there is so much to discover in the exciting Prog Andaluz, it's really a very unique category with a very distinctive sound, a blend of the poor Gyspy flamenco players and the mid-upper class southern UK musicians, very captivating and lots of chemistry
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 12 2007 at 13:51
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Today I received this interesting new CD by Medina
Azahara entitled Se Abre La Puerta:
It contains 11 songs, written by Triana, Alameda and Medina Azahara, I am
looking forward to listen to it and will write a review in this thread very soon
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 13 2007 at 10:38
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Here's my weekly contribution to this wonderful thread
: http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=17334">
 Eclectic Prog (Boxset/Compilation, 2007) Avg: 4.00/5 from 1 ratings http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=17334 - MEDINA AZAHARA — Se Abre La Puerta Review by http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=3684 - erik neuteboom (erik neuteboom) Special Collaborator Symphonic Prog Expert — First review of this album —
http://www.progwalhalla.com/ - www.progwalhalla.com |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: December 14 2007 at 17:31
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Very interesting compilation of songs, Erik. Thanks for the review.
I hope to cast my prog andaluz reviews these days before Christmas...
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 15 2007 at 05:11
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Hello Andrea.
I just read on the homepage that you succeeded to escape from your study books
Good to have you here on this thread and I am looking forward to your Prog Andaluz reviews, you mean before Christmas 2007
? |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: December 15 2007 at 07:54
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2007. I promise!
|
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 15 2007 at 19:15
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OK Andrea, it's a deal
By the way, Senogul and Medina Azahara are in my 2007
Prog Album Top 5 list, a healthy dosis of Prog Andaluz
|
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 17 2007 at 17:35
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This evening I noticed a Prog Andaluz review
http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=4465">
Eclectic Prog (Studio Album, 1989) Avg: 3.33/5 from 3 ratings http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=4465 - MEDINA AZAHARA — En Al-Hakim Review by http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=4388 - Andrea Cortese (Andrea Cortese) Special Collaborator Italian Prog Specialist
A small edit in your review by me, Andrea |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: December 17 2007 at 17:47
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Yeah, noticed what you mean, ERIK! I thought your name appeared in my review...what's happened?
Well, I think the only problem with En Al Hakim (but the word problem is wrong) is that it was released in 1989 with that kind of inndtrumentation and echo on drums (echo or something to describe that typical effect that seem to deprove drums of their genuinity.
Despite that, the album is truly excellent.
On about Triana, I have to say that the first two (that I own) are terrific. The second is different and shows a different, more pessimistic, approach...I wonder why of that change of feeling...
BTW, I'm waiting for my copy of Escenes by the spanish band Gotic. Not prog andaluz but good old sympho-prog. What do you think of, Erik?
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 17 2007 at 17:58
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I enjoyed reading your review, very good analysis but knowing you I was a bit surprised to read that you only wrote "thanks for the recommendation" because it's obvious where it came from I am very glad that you like Triana so much because it's unique, very compelling music, an unsurpassed blend of prog and ethnic music, PROG ANDALUZ!!! The album Escenes by Gothic is a wonderful, Camel inspired album, one of the few Spanish prog albums that is obviously rooted into the Seventies UK symphonic prog tradition. Multo grazie for your Medina Azahara review and your post Andrea, I am looking forward to more Prog Andaluz reviews, here on Prog Archives this category seems almost forgotten! |
Posted By: memowakeman
Date Posted: December 17 2007 at 22:55
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Strange enough, that i have never been interested in Medina Azahara`s music, though a friend likes their music and i have seen several albums of them in a real cheap price, now that you both are dedicating your time to them, i am sure i have lost the chances of appreciate nice music, if i found an album by them, i will buy it and let you know what i think ------------- Follow me on twitter @memowakeman |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: December 18 2007 at 00:58
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Hi Guillermo. I only own the album En ... Al Hakim but I'm curious to listen to some of their early release (1979-1982). Their label has recently issued this interesting compilation:
=
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000006Z70/sr=8-1/qid=1194966610/ref=dp_image_0/105-6110442-9836403?ie=UTF8&n=5174&s=music&qid=1194966610&sr=8-1">
(1979)+
(1980)+
(1982 |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 18 2007 at 06:35
Well Memowakeman and Andrea, a good impression of the earlier sound of Medina Azahara is their live CD entitled En Vivo (originally a double LP), it sounds very tasteful with some wonderful Prog Andaluz undertones but also a harder-edged approach, in fact Medina Azahara was a heavier version of Triana but with less Prog Andaluz elements. Nonetheless, I love their sound, so emotional and pleasantly coloured 
By the way, I just noticed that my review from their debut album has disappeared from this site, I can only find this review:
http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=3684 - http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=3684 - erik neuteboom
(erik neuteboom) SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Symphonic Prog Expert
http://www.progwalhalla.com - www.progwalhalla.com
|
Posted By: sean
Date Posted: December 18 2007 at 13:40
| thanks for bringing this whole subject up. i've always been interested in spanish flamenco guitar, but never knew that anyone fused it with prog. i will look into these very soon. they all sound great. i wish i had more money. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 18 2007 at 14:21
|
Thanks for your post Sean, good to see 'a new face' here in this thread By the way, this doesn't mean I am fed up with the Andrea's and Guillermo's
! This evening I will write a review about Medina Azahara
their first album, one of my favorites.
|
Posted By: sean
Date Posted: December 19 2007 at 14:13
No, I'm a pianist with no talent at guitar, it's just that the sound of classical and flamenco guitars has always enchanted me, since before I had discovered rock music.
And no, I won't get mad at you for encouraging me to spend more money that I don't have, if I did that I'd have to get mad at everyone on this site who's ever made mention of a good band and inspired me to check them out.
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 19 2007 at 14:54
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Sean, since I heard Paco De Lucia playing Entre Dos Aguas (a hit single in Spain) I love flamenco and since my 15th I have visited many flamenco concerts, also because in my hometown The Hague the National Dutch Flamenco Society had her residence. I have seen many famous singers, dancers and guitarists. In the second part of the Seventies I discovered Triana, we had a small group of progrock diehards and we visited a person who was known as the Dutch proghead #1, he owned the first 3 Triana albums, I still remember that I listened for the first time to their sound and I got goose bumps all over my body, even on the back of my feet, I was absolutely thrilled and blown away. I was delighted that he put the albums on tape for me, that was my first Prog Andaluz, later I bought albums from Carmen and then Cai, Azahar, Mezquita, Alameda and finally Medina Azahara. To witness the special Andalusian atmosphere I took a plane to Andalusia (Southern part of Spain) and visited the wonderful flamenco drenched cities Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba and Ronda, an unforgettable experience
Yesterday I published this review on the homepage:
MEDINA AZAHARA – Paseando Por La Mezquita
This popular Spanish band from Cordoba was founded in the late Seventies. In 1979 Medina Azahara released their debut-album Paseando Por La Mezquita (aka Medina Azahara). This album earned a double-platinum status and since 1983 when Spanish legend Triana called it a day (because of the tragical death of their keyboardplayer/singer Jesus De La Rosa) the Spanish fans consider Medina Azahara as the successors of Triana, the masters of the Prog Andaluz movement. On their debut album Medina Azahara delivers a very pleasant blend of melodic rock (mid-tempo songs like En La Manana and Se), neo prog in the vein of Marillion (lots of Mark Kelly-like synthesizer flights) and Prog Andaluz (mainly ballads and slow rhythms) with strong hints from Triana like in the exciting titletrack (a flamenco rhythm with heavy guitar riffs, howling guitar and emotional vocals) and En La Manana and Busco (parts with flamenco guitar). A very strong point on this album is the guitarwork, from sensitive and howling to electric rhythm guitar that creates a flamenco atmosphere, this matches perfectly with the emotional Spanish vocals that contain a wailing undertone you can often hear in flamenco singing. Medina Azahara still makes music (in 2003 they released their latest studio album entitled Aixa) but during the years the sound became more polished and straighforward rock so I consider this band as a heavy version of Triana, not every album is interesting but they have made some very good records like En El-Hakim and En Vivo (live), especially their early work is worth to check out.
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Posted By: sean
Date Posted: December 20 2007 at 13:21
| I just listened to Triana, and I look forward to digging deeper into this scene. Unfortunately, being in America, I have less access to places like Spain, and I have yet to see a flamenco concert, though I would love to. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 20 2007 at 14:21
|
What's your impression about Triana, Sean? A flamenco concert is a very special happening, especially when there is that spark between the band and the audience ('duende')
|
Posted By: sean
Date Posted: December 21 2007 at 16:51
I really enjoyed Triana. It was completely new to me, so I had no idea what to expect, but I came away very impressed. I'll have to listen several more times of course to get a better idea.
I look forward to seeing a flamenco concert in the future, especially after hearing all these good things about them.
|
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 21 2007 at 17:06
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That's very good news Sean, I am very happy to notice that you are so delighted about Triana because when I started to write for Prog Archives in early 2004, one of my missions was to ask attention for bands like Solaris, Museo Rosenbach, Rustichelli & Bordini, Los Jaivas and ... the Prog Andaluz, speerheaded by Triana Do you want some recommendations about Prog Andaluz? Flamenco passion:
 
  My hero Paco De Lucia
|
Posted By: sean
Date Posted: December 21 2007 at 17:11
| I would definitely like recommendations. Since there's no seperate genre for this movement, I'm not sure which bands belong to it. I would really appreciate it if you gave recommendations. |
Posted By: glass house
Date Posted: December 21 2007 at 17:19
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You've got to try Mezquita.
|
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 21 2007 at 17:25
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Mezquita is included Dutch Tony
Sean, one of the reasons that I am so determined to speak about the Prog Andaluz category is that it's the perfect way to discover this most distinctive blend of ethnic and progressive rock music on this planet! For example: if you like Triana and you want to discover this kind of music, then you can check out all those bands that are categorized in Prog Andaluz but now all the Prog Andaluz bands are put into categories that range from Eclectic Prog and Symphonic Prog to Jazzrock/Fusion, too divided so I will keep on asking for Prog Andaluz as a separate category
My recommended albums: Alameda - Todas Las Grabaciones En CBS 1979-1983
- Here is a 2-CD by Spanish progrock band Alameda featuring all the tracks from their four studio-albums, released between 1979 and 1983. If you are up to Spanish progressive rock, don't miss this excellent compilation, what an exciting encounter between progressive rock and flamenco, the ethnic music from Andalusia (the southern part of Spain). The 32 elaborate compositions sound very pleasant, melodic, harmonic and varied, from romantic and dreamy to bombastic symphonic rock or swinging jazzrock. The Spanish vocals are outstanding: powerful, emotional and that typical flamenco undertone (without the usual wailing experssion), this man gives many tracks an extra dimension! Alameda plays very professional: a splendid, very fluent rhythm- section, tasteful keyboards (from soaring strings to swinging piano and sensational synthesizer flights) and often exciting guitarwork, both electric as flamenco (with contributions from legends Tomatito and Paco De Lucia).If you want to discover the Spanish prog or you like Triana, Cai or Azahar, this comprehensive two set is yours! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! AZAHAR - Azahar - In the early Nineties I bought a few Sirius magazines (former Spanish progrock fanzine) in order to improve my poor school Spanish. I noticed an add in which the known Spanish proghead Angel Romero was offering his entire progrock LP collection. I got in touch with him (we shared a negative view on the awful tradition of bullfights!) and he explained that he was suffering from an increasing dust-allergy, how sad. I asked him for advise to buy Spanish progrock records from him. Nowadays AZAHAR’s second eponymous album is still one of my favorites, the debut-album was entitled “Elixer”. The difference between these two CD’s (released by Fonomusic) is that the second sound far more mature. The eight compositions (running time between 2 and 10 minutes) are more varied and elaborated. The guitarplay is sensitive featuring short but powerful soli and some exciting flamenco guitarwork. The Spanish vocals has a typical Spanish undertone, very warm and expressive. The keyboards sound lush and have a pleasant variety: strings, organ, synthesizers, clavinet and acoustic – and electric piano. The rhythm-section plays dynamic, Spanish people have a natural feeling for rhythm! This CD is a very fine example of the unique Spanish progrock: harmonic, melodic and tasteful compositions above self- indulgence.
CAI - Noche Abierta - CAI was a harmonic Spanish quintet with Diego Fopiani Macias (drums/vocals), Jose A. Fernandez Mariscall (guitar), Francisco Delgado Gonzalez (guitar), Sebastian Dominguez Lozano (keyboards and piano) and Jose Velez Gomez (bass/vocals). They released three albums entitled "Mas Alla Mentes Diminutas" (’78), "Noche Abierta" (’80) and "Cancion De La Primavera" (’81). The second and third album are released as a 1-CD. The album "Noche abierta" (1980) is one of the gems of Spanish progressive rock. The seven tracks sound pleasant with warm Spanish vocals, tasteful keyboards (piano, strings, synthesizers and organ) and sensitive electric guitar. The integration of "the art of the flamenco" guitar gives this progrock an extra dimension. If you like melodic and tasteful seventies prog, embellished with some flamenco, this one is for you! MEDINA AZAHARA - En Al-Hakim — This my favorite studio-album from MEDINA AZAHARA, in my opinion their most mature, varied and symphonic effort. The opener “Al Hakim ... otro lugar” has that typical Morish climate, strong and expressive Spanish vocals and pleasant synthesizer flights (in the vein of Mark Kelly). The ballad “Otono” has become one of the ‘crowd-pleasers’: a slow rhythm featuring emotional vocals, tender pianoplay, bluesy guitar riffs and some fiery and howling electric guitar. Next is “Velocidad”, a simple but catchy up-tempo rock song delivering some fine synthesizer runs. On “La guitarra” guest musician Vicente Amigo (nowadays one of the leading flamenco guitarists!) enters the scene with a compelling acoustic guitar intro and then quick runs, accompanied by expressive vocals (this is the flamenco spirit) and later a fiery electric guitar and sensational synthesizer flights, what an exciting contrast with the acoustic flamenco guitar play! It’s bluestime in “El destino” but MEDINA AZAHARA adds an extra dimension by blending expressive flamenco guitar, moving mouth-organ, wailing Spanish vocals and harder-edged electric guitar, what an emotional experience, goose bumps! “Dejame vivir” (heavy electric guitar solo) and “Tal como es” (swinging piano solo) are two simple up-tempo rocksongs in the vein of “Velocidad”, tasteful but predictable. The final track “Desde Cordoba” features again the excellent Vicente Amigo on flamenco guitar, this time he delivers exciting duels with Paco Ventura’s hard-edged electric guitar, again goose bumps!
MEZQUITA - Recuerdos De Mi Tierra http://www.progarchives.com/Progressive_rock_discography_CD.asp?cd_id=2402">
— The album ”Recuerdos De Mi Tierra” from ’79 contains six inventive and compelling tracks with exciting interplay between electric guitar and synthesizer, strong and expressive Spanish vocals, the emotional flamenco guitar and some handclapping (palmas). This is certainly one of my favourite Spanish prog rock albums because the atmosphere has such a typical Morish and Andalusian undertone like early TRIANA. ZAGUAN — Testigo Del Tiempo  - After new, splendid bands like Bijou and Senogul here is Zaguan. They are rooted in 1997 and started as a Triana cover band. If you listen to the vocals this is not a surprise, incredible how similar the singer sounds to the late Jesus De La Rosa who died tragically in a car accident early The Eighties! If I compare Zaguan their own compositions to Triana I analyse that Zaguan sound less symphonic (short compositions and a small range of keyboards) and more folky because of the more omnipresent flamenco guitar. That's also why I have Zaguan categorized as prog folk. The 11 songs on this CD are a very melodic and tasteful progressive blend of rock, folk and symphonic featuring strong and expressive vocals (but not that typical wailing of the flamenco singers), some fiery and howling electric guitar and fluent Hammond organ soli and lots of exciting flamenco guitar runs. I fyou like Rock Andalus, especially Triana, this great Spanish prog folk band is worth to check out, WHAT A MOVING EXPERIENCE!
IMÁN CALIFATO INDEPENDIENTE — Califato Independiente
1. Tarantos del Califato Independiente (20:46) : The title points at a strong rhythm in the flamenco music. First a wonderful string- ensemble sound in a sultry atmosphere with twanging guitars and electric guitar play with a strong Morish undertone. Then lots of shifting moods with great guitar-synthesizer interplay (evoking Iceberg) and exciting soli on guitar and synthesizer, a piece with lots of percussion. The final part delivers a slow rhythm with a beautiful and very sensitive electric guitar solo, accompanied by a lush string-ensemble sound, goose bumps!
2. Darshan (8:30) : Again those wonderful strings, followed by great interplay between guitar and synthesizer with the support of a very adventurous rhythm-section. Next a howling guitar solo and an accellaration with fat, pitchbend driven synthesizer flights and a duel between guitar and synthesizer in a captivating atmosphere that blends Prog Andaluz and jazzrock.
3. Cerro Alegre (7:33) : The intro delviers fragile piano work and sensitive twanging classical guitar, then a swinging rhythm with sparkling piano and flamenco rhythm guitar. Halfway a fiery guitar joins, supported by a powerful bass and subdued harpsichord runs. Next a part with bluesy Fender Rhodes electric piano that gradually changes into an exciting interlude with a guitar solo that sounds like the Andalusian Carlos Santana (Caravanserai-era) and culminates in a swinging rhythm, Prog Andaluz meets jazzrock, what a dynamic and cpativating musical experience!
4. Cancion de la Oruga (5:32) : This is a beautiful piece that starts with dreamy twanging classical guitar, soaring keyboards and warm vocals, then a mid-tempo featuring fat synthesizer runs with a Morish undertone and propulsive percussion.
- This is a very exciting fusion of Prog Andaluz and jazzrock, highly recommended!
IMÁN CALIFATO INDEPENDIENTE — Camino del Aguila
1. La marcha de los enanitos (10:30) : This album opens with a mid-tempo rhythm delivering strong interplay with a Morish undertone between electric guitar and synthesizer and propulsive percussion. Then an exciting build-up from a sultry climate to a gradually more dynamic atmosphere with mindblowing work on a fat sounding synthesizer and fiery guitar with howling runs, supported by a lush string-ensemble sound, very compelling, what a dynamic blend of Prog Andaluz and jazzrock!
2. Maluquinha (6:29) : In a swinging rhythm again we can enjoy the Andalusian Carlos Santana, accompanied by exciting percussion and a fluent synthesizer solo.
3. Camino del aguila (14:00) : The titletrack sounds very alternating with an awesome rhythm-section, great interplay between guitar and synthesizer (like Iceberg) and lots of interesting musical ideas, from a howling, Morish inspired guitar solo and a catchy rhythm with strong interplay between all musicians to guitar work in the vein of Steve Howe on Relayer (Yes) and a flashy synthesizer solo.
4. Niños (3:05) : A wonderful dreamy, quite melancholical piece, first with spacey keyboards, twanging Spanish guitar and warm vocals, then sensitive classical guitar runs, slow synthesizer flights and a lush string-enesemble sound, this is the mellow side of Iman and I love it too!
- Iman delivers a very exciting fusion of Prog Andaluz and jazzrock, highly recommended!
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Posted By: sean
Date Posted: December 21 2007 at 17:54
| nice, thank you for the recommendations glass house and erik. good luck with getting a seperate prog andaluz category. are you just an expert in this genre or do you know of any other ethnic prog movements? i love folk music, particulary celtic and scandanavian,along with with spanish. basically i'm open to anything. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 21 2007 at 17:59
|
Haha, I am the Symphonic Prog Expert but I am also an overlooked fan of electronic music, folk (Balkan, Latin-America, Greece, Indian raga, Caribean) and Heavy Prog
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Posted By: sean
Date Posted: December 21 2007 at 18:03
| well, it's good for you that you are such an expert. it's nice to have such people around to guide us lesser beings in our prog explorations. |
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 21 2007 at 18:09
|
It's an ego-gratification too
! |
Posted By: sean
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 09:20
that's not a bad thing, especially at a place like this.
|
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 09:24
|
OK Sean but now seriously
, I am curious which bands that I described will appeal to you? Mezquita and Azahar?
|
Posted By: sean
Date Posted: December 22 2007 at 09:34
| The ones that sounded most interesting to me were Alameda, Azahar, and Zaguan. |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: January 18 2008 at 18:02
Mezquita cd has arrived!
 |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: January 24 2008 at 17:10
 Wow! Another gem in my collection (ok, this is not andaluz prog... spanish jewel, though).
|
Posted By: micky
Date Posted: January 24 2008 at 22:16
what did you think of it... GOD I love that album ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: Nightfly
Date Posted: January 25 2008 at 06:39
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So much interesting looking music and not enough time and money to check it all out!
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Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: January 25 2008 at 06:51
An excellent record but not all that impressive! (4 stars are surely well deserved).
Maybe my expectations were too high. BTW, it's a great improvement for my discography and prog-andaluz one of the best susprises of this year!!!
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Posted By: micky
Date Posted: January 25 2008 at 07:00
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I gave it 4 stars as well... I know what you mean about ramping up the expectations. Many times nothing can approach the expectations we set for some albums. That is one thing I'll always thank Erik for was turning me on to Prog-Andaluz. Almost as interesting as RPI.
------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |
Posted By: NotAProghead
Date Posted: January 25 2008 at 09:02
One of my favourite Spanish records. Highly recommended! ------------- Who are you and who am I to say we know the reason why... (D. Gilmour) |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: March 22 2008 at 09:58
| I found some iberian prog recently. Non andaluz but very still interesting: Bloque (Hombre, Tierra y Alma) and portuguese legend Tantra with their debut Misterios y Maravilhas. Very interesting. |
Posted By: Andrea Cortese
Date Posted: March 22 2008 at 10:02
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On about Mezquita. Well a great album indeed. Not at the level of Triana's debut but exciting.
This album has a lot of aficionados as I see and many prefer it to El Patio.
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Posted By: micky
Date Posted: March 22 2008 at 11:30
 guilty as charged ------------- The Pedro and Micky Experience - When one no longer requires psychotropics to trip |