Somehow I missed this release when it first came out. Altablanca is the type of record I tend to gravitate to - that of the newly discovered progressive rock tapes, from a band who had no prior release history. Like many groups who only managed to be recorded live, one imagines what could have been had they entered a proper studio. This concert in Mendoza is very sharp and trebly, but still enjoyable to listen to. Altablanca apparently went through 3 stages (or marks as the English would call it), going back to 1976 and ending in 1983. This recording represents the final incarnation, and were a full 6 piece at this point. The opening solo notes come from a type of String Synthesizer, so it definitely dates to the time and place. There's not much variation in the tones he uses, though the playing is excellent. The rhythm section is solid, never hogging the spotlight, and continues to move the music forward in the proper manner (i.e. not stilted or clumsy). So that leaves the 3 key protagonists. First and foremost would be guitarist Mario Matar, who is the principle songwriter. From the get go, Camel shows up as a primary influence, and Matar clearly sat at the knee of Andy Latimer. After three quality instrumental opening tracks, the 2 part epic 'Paso a la Vida' shows Altablanca heading towards more complex waters. Enter stage right Susana "Turca" Naldi with her superb Spanish vocals as well as Daniel Martin who provides copious flute. And now the sextet is complete. There's even a couple of places where the music gets trippy, with more impassioned vocals and soaring flute and guitar. The Argentinian musical landscape was rich in the 70s and early 80s, and bands as diverse as Aucan, Ave Rock, Rayuela, Crucis, and Agnus all come to mind here. Certainly a great discovery for those who love the Southern Cone's take on European progressive rock.
Ownership: CD: 2013 Viajero Inmovil. Recent online acquisition. Comes in what Discogs calls a "square gatefold digisleeve", which is how the label released most of their CDs. Inside is a paper sleeve holder with b/w photos and lyrics. Nicely done.
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