Cai ~ Spain

Noche Abierta (1980)

Cai are from the beautiful Andalusian city of Cadiz, and their sound very much represents the region it originates from. Noche Abierta is their second album, and first for major label CBS / Epic. Cai's music is one of the more overtly flamenco influenced albums with dramatic Arabian vocals, Spanish guitar, and the irregular rhythms associated with the art form. The rock elements are brought forth with stinging electric guitar, choppy piano, and the driving bass and drums. The majority of the keyboards come from a variation of the ARP String Synthesizer, and are a bit thin sounding to modern ears. Overall the album is a fine mixture of flamenco, jazz fusion, and progressive rock. The latter represented most by the closing 'La Roca del Diablo'. A very good album for those predisposed to the southern Spanish style of progressive rock, which includes this listener. Otherwise, Noche Abierta is unlikely to be the album to sway one's opinion in its direction.

Ownership: 1980 Epic (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2018.

First copy: 1995 Epic (CD) With Cancion De La Primavera. Acquired in 1997.

1997; 7/7/16 (review)

Mas Allá de Nuestras Mentes Diminutas (1978)

Progressive rock and jazz fusion meets Flamenco styled rhythms is what Cai's debut is about. 1978 Spain is filled with similar albums and Cai is an excellent representative of the Rock Andaluz movement. Others have called out comparisons to Iman Califato Independiente, and that's a really good reference for this album. Cai later signed to a major label and released two further albums, more geared towards the fusion aspect of their sound. 

Ownership: 1987 Soviso (LP). Gatefold. This release is an exact replica of the 1978 original gatefold. Though pressed in Spain, it was primarily made for the Japanese market. A local friend has the Lacochu original and there are scant differences between them. Acquired in 1993.

1993; 6/5/12 (review); 5/22/26

Once owned: Cancion De La Primavera

9/3/12 (new entry)