INFLUÊNCIAS

For my 100th review on PA, I´d like to introduce one of Brazil´s best instrumental prog ventures of all times. Marco Antônio Araújo and his band are from my hometown and they played a very unique mixture of progressive, folk, rock and classical music. Araujo, a big Beatles fan, lived in London for a time during the 70´s and when he came back he brought with him all the inlfuences that made him one of the most original and celebrated songwriters of his time. His music is quite rooted in the traditional musical forms of Minas Geraes, a state that was famous for its baroque churchs (therefore the proeminent use of the flute on most of the songs, and also the french horn sometimes).

when the record came out it was hailed as a masterpiece, and it deserved it! It´s difficult to describe the music, since it is quite original, although influences are easy to tag and goes from Jetrho Tull to Beatles, classical music, Brazilian folk and so on. Yet the results are a smooth, well crafted collection of songs. You have to hear it to believe.

He recorded 4 albums of original music and was on his way to become an international successs, when it all came to an end by his tragic death in 1986, of a brain aneuurism. But he left his mark and Influências was his first album, and one of the most celebrated ones, since it was recorded and well received at a time when instrumental prog music was not really in fashion (to say the least!). His band mates are very skilled, most of them did solo works and became much sough after studio musicians in years to come. His brother Alexandre Araújo does some great guitar solos and Eduardo Delgado proves to be one of the best flute players around.

If you like something different, instrumental progressive music, with strong folk and classical influences, this is a must have. Highly recommended!