LIVE RITUAL

This is one of those rare gems that prog lovers need to unearth.

TANTRA was a band from Portugal in the 1970's, with a sound that was heavily influenced by some of the greats: Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, King Crimson, Camel. Their music was part of that sophisticated progressive school filled with complex rhythms and elaborated melodies. They sang in Portugese, which flows nicely with this style of music; and the lyrics (according to their own liner notes) "are filled and immersed in a positive spirit and lucid mysticism." You in yet?...

"Live Ritual" is a very special album for the band. Before they even issued their first two great studio albums, "Misterios e Maravilhas" and "Holocausto", they made their first live appearance in 1977 in Lisboa and played an hour of their own music. Someone recorded it! It was finally issued in 2003 as "Live Ritual", and despite the unknown source of the tape, the quality of the sound is really good! I hear a little distortion with the higher keyboard sounds and some cymbal crashes, but everything else sounds great.

The bass player and drummer were on fire for this concert. The band's sound can be a little bass-heavy, but that is fine with me; hey, that's what equalizers are for. All 5 songs on this live album are in the 10-14 minute range and include lots of instrumental interplay, even some jazz-fusion-y sections. And what makes this live cd even more special is that 3 of the songs do not appear on any of the studio albums, including the great album opener 'Ritual'.

I don't know, this music really moves me. I'm calling this an essential album, though only throwing 4 stars at it. Lovers of any of the bands listed above absolutely need to check out this album (plus their first two studio albums). You'll thank me later.