ITZIAR

Another entry in the long list of Basque Folk-based bands, this group was formed around female singer Itziar Egileor and apparently was named after her.They had a six-piece line-up with Alex Zabala on guitar, Eduardo Bazterra on bass, Mikel Prieto on guitar/synthesizer, Joseba Erkiaga on flute/saxophone and Javi Robador on drums, while specific members offered background vocals as well.Their only self-titled album comes from 1978, released on the neverending supporter of Basque bands, the Xoxoa label.

Itziar seem to walk on the thin line between pure Folk groups of the area and the more progressive acts like ITOIZ, performing music strongly surrounded by the local tradition but having also some of the complexity of Progressive Rock.The basic components here are Itziar's angelic vocals, the mellow acoustic guitars changing colors with the soft electric moves, the ethereal Psych/Folk orientations and the discreet presence of flutes and saxes.A few tracks appear to follow a more conventional Psych/Folk sound, always led by the crystalline singing of Itziar and a decent acoustic background with guitars and flute in evidence.But most of the pieces contain light electric moves, smooth interplays between guitar and flute and a pair of them sound a bit richer due to the use of keyboards.Even if the instrumental parts are rather limited, the album holds enough interest till the end, offering some nice melodic soundscapes, an attractive, archaic enviroment and some great vocal harmonies.Needless to mention the longer tracks are also the more suitable to the tastes of a Prog Rock fan with the omnipresent, delicate flutes, the electroacoustic moves and the light symphonic vibes thrown in.

Apparently the band was short-lived with Javi Robador joining Enbor the same year, while Joseba Erkiaga was already a stable member of Itoiz.Itziar Egileor also contributed vocals in Itoiz'es second album ''Ezekiel''.

Cool and relaxing Basque Prog Folk with some light psych, symphonic and even jazzy underlines.Beautiful melodies, fine female vocals but less energy compared to other local bands.Recommended.