A LESTE DO SOL, OESTE DA LUA

Sagrado produced in the mid-eighties and the nineties some of the most beautiful music on the prog scene, thanks to the contribution of the talented violinist and vocalist Marcus Viana. This latter is classically-trained and that explains the strong classical connection in the music he writes for Sagrado : "Toccata" on the 2nd album "Flecha" is entirely played on church organ and is a tribute to Bach. Here there are three composers to whom Marcus pays a tribute : Puccini with "Madame Butterfly", Bach with "Allegro" (a piano composition), Debussy with "Clair de lune" (a classical piece to which he added lyrics). Apart from these classical tributes there are also prog-oriented pieces that provide pure enjoyment to the listener. On the second track "Ovniana", the YES-influence is obvious, especially in the keyboard parts (a good comparison could be "Wounderous story" or "Turn of the century"). "Bem-aventurados" is a mini-suite, an acoustic guitar opening the track (in the style of Paco Lucia or other spanish guitarists) then a light symphonic rock music follows with a great performance by Andre Matos (original Angra singer) on vocals. "Firecircle" is another prog tune with fantastic vocals, Marcus being backed by Vanessa Falabella, whose voice is sublime. Vanessa provides also her voice on "Maya", a track on which Marcus plays all instruments, including samples of percussions. All in all, "A leste..." is one of the best Sagrado album, if not the best, and is well worth checking out for everyone who likes melodic symphonic prog with great vocals. Keep on proggin' Marcus and Sagrado !