TRIANA (EL PATIO)

Emerging in the waning years of the Franco regime, as the authoritarianism of the Spanish government scaled back sufficiently to permit a flowering of artistic expression ahead of the eventual transition to democracy, Triana played a distinctly Spanish style of progressive rock in which they took the intriguing step of introducing a hefty dose of flamenco into the mix. This adds a dramatic flair to the band's sound they make excellent use of, and they also take the opportunity to find interesting contrasts with the styles; there are some breathtaking moments as an acoustic flamenco guitar line from Eduardo Rodriguez melts into an electric guitar line from guest Antonio Perez.

The "Andalusian rock" of Triana and others represents a distinctly Spanish style of prog, just as Italy's prog scene had spawned its own distinctive style a little earlier, and I'd say that this album is a great way to start exploring it.