Los Jaivas
Alturas De Macchu Picchu (1981)
Label:   
Length:  37:08
    Track Listing:
      1.  
      		 Del Aire Al Aire    2:14
      2.  
      		 La Poderosa Muerte    11:08
      3.  
      		 Amor Americano    5:26
      4.  
      		 Aguila Sideral    5:19
      5.  
      		 Antigua America    5:37
      6.  
      		 Sube A Nacer Conmigo Hermano    4:47
      7.  
      		 Final    2:34
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      Los Jaivas - Alturas de Macchu Picchu (1981)


      By Jeffrey J.Park (Massachusetts, USA)

      This is absolutely fantastic late period progressive rock that presents a wonderful mixture of the English progressive rock style and Chilean folk music. It is worth noting that Los Jaivas originated in Chile; moved to Argentina; and then moved once again and recorded Alturas de Macchu Picchu in Paris, France during the summer of 1981; an album that many consider to be their masterpiece. Although the album was released in France and a number of years had elapsed in the time since their debut, Los Jaivas had lost none of the Chilean folk influence and it shines throughout the album.
      The lineup on this album includes Gato Alquinta (vocals; electric and nylon classical guitars; ocarina); Mario Mutis (electric bass; guitars; and vocals); Eduardo Parra (electric piano; mini moog synthesizer); Claudio Parra (piano; electric piano; mini-moog synthesizer); and Gabriel Parra (drums and percussion). All of the band members are excellent players on both the traditional instruments (ocarina) and the "cutting edge" instruments (mini-moog). The keyboardists are excellent and really dominate the overall sound. With respect to the vocals (in Spanish), they are very good and the vocal harmonies are also quite nice.
      The seven tracks on the album range in length from 2'14" to 11'13". Musically, this is a great prog album and features excellent ensemble work; melodies; harmonies; and sophisticated arrangements - In short everything you would expect from a prog album released in 1975, not 1981. There are some spacey sections too, with very haunting melodies that are especially nice. Although a prog fan, it is the traditional Chilean music that gets me excited - it is vibrant and rich and let's face it, a welcome change of pace. Much to my delight, there are a few tunes on the album that place far more emphasis on the colorful and bouncy textures of Chilean music than English prog.
      All in all, this is yet another gem of progressive rock and presents a unique twist on the standard prog rock theme. Other albums by Los Jaivas that are highly recommended include Los Jaivas (1975) and Cancion del Sur (1977).

      Track Listings
      1. Del Aire Al Aire
      2. Poderosa Muerte
      3. Amor Americano
      4. Aguila Sideral
      5. Antigua America
      6. Sube a Nacer Conmigo Hermano
      7. Final
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