Iman Califato Independiente ~ Spain

Iman Califato Independiente (1978)

For the first time since I started adding photographs of my collection onto Instagram, an album was selected that I had yet to feature here on UMR. As noted in my listening dates below, I've heard it a couple of times since the advent of the blog. So why didn't I pen anything? Beyond my usual laziness of course. Not sure. Well then, let's hear it again and get some notes down. 

Yep, there are just some albums that don't trigger a thought for any kind of review. Iman Califato Independiente's debut is one of them. I remember having that same trouble with Carpe Diem's debut as well. Which is not to say it's a mediocre album, far from it, just not very memorable. I attempted three listens last night, but nothing really stuck with me. It's a very pleasant, somewhat typical progressive rock from the region. Nominally it also falls into the Rock Andaluz category, but this isn't Mezquita, Triana, or early Medina Azahara. More symphonic than that subgenre usually implies. Words like nice, agreeable, delightful, and lovely come to mind. Which, in my world, is A-OK. My excellent rating remains the same. Still can't tell you much about it though.

Ownership: 1978 CBS (LP). Gatefold. 

1995 (acquired); 10/15/12; 3/18/13; 2/1/24 (review)

Also own and need to review Camino del Aguila.

2/1/24 (new entry)

Triana ~ Spain

Sombra y Luz (1979)

---Jun 2005

This album is more rock oriented than the predecessor, with some amazing fuzz guitar on the experimental psychedelic title track. All throughout, the album has a strong guitar focus, and the keyboards are pretty much gone except as incidental background music. Since the keyboardist is also the vocalist, one can appreciate why he would turn his attention solely to singing. He is quite good.

---2/15/23

This is one of those albums that I had properly rated in my collection but had it lower on the rating sites. So not really a +1 listen, just calibrated correctly. Triana's first three albums are the definition of Rock Andaluz, and while Sombra y Luz doesn't have the extreme highs of the debut, there's plenty of deep moments here. 

Ownership: 1979 Movieplay (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2012. 

First copy: 2005 Fonomusic (CD). Tri-fold digipak. Acquired in 2005.

6//05; 2/15/23 (review)

El Patio (1975)

---Jun 2005

The flamenco prog rock movement in Spain can be traced to this album, Triana's debut. Long time dictator Franco passed away in 1975, and that event seemed to spawn a host of interesting rock groups interested in rediscovering their historical past, something Franco was loathe to promote, in fear of patriotic regionalism. Triana was so popular in their native Spain, that it wouldn't be too unusual to find a well played cassette in grandma's closet. Dramatic Arabian vocals, fuzz guitar, mellotron, organ, Moog and plenty of great flamenco guitar. Fantastic compositions all the way through. There are two bona-fide great tracks here: Track 3 `Recuerdo De Una Noche' followed immediately by `Se De Un Lugar'.

Ownership: 

1975 Movieplay (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2012.

2003 Fonomusic (CD). Tri-fold digipak. Acquired in 2005.

First copy: 1984 Fonomusic (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 1991.

1991; 6//05; 2/14/10 (review)

Also own: Hijos Del Agobio

2/19/10 (new entry)

Medina Azahara ~ Spain

La Esquina del Viento (1981)

I had written recently that Medina Azahara's debut is one of the pillars of the Andalusian progressive rock scene of the mid to late 70s. Now the 80s have arrived, and Medina Azahara did what most bands did back then: Streamline their sound, and added period synthesizers. Have no fear though, Medina Azahara are still focused on the plot here, and there's no mistaking this for anything but what it is - Rock Andaluz. I suppose if looking for a metaphor, think of Medina Azahara as southern Spain's very own Saga. That is to say a band that was able to seamlessly meld the 70s and 80s together, without leaks and cracks. Not sure how I managed to compare Saga to Medina Azahara, but hey... Anyway, unfortunately from here, the band took the metaphor too far, and ended up strictly as a pop group for a few years. But their first two albums are essential for the genre.

Ownership: 1995 CBS / Sony (CD). With Andalucia. Acquired in 1996.

First copy: 1981 CBS (LP). Acquired in 1994.

1994; 1996; 2008; 4/7/13; 5/5/18 (review)

Medina Azahara (1979)

One of the three pillars of the Rock Andaluz scene of the mid to late 1970's, Medina Azahara's debut is filled with the energy of southern Spain. Great fuzzy tones and an urgency similar to Mezquita, and the passionate Arabian vocals recall Triana at their very best. 'Hacia' Ti' is the 5 star highlight, but 'En la Manana' and the closing two tracks are in the running. A brilliant album throughout.

The cover is just as gorgeous as the music itself, and is a permanent fixture on my "wall of albums".

Ownership: 

1979 CBS (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 1994.

1994 CBS / Sony (CD). Acquired in 1996.

1994; 1996; 12/10/17 (review)

12/10/17 (new entry)

Mezquita ~ Spain

Recuerdos De Mi Tierra (1979)

In post-Franco Spain, regionalism - which for years had been suppressed - came back with a fury in the mid to late 70s. And progressive rock was but one of many different art forms to be affected by this passion in a positive way. Mezquita were from Corboda, right in the heart of Andalusia. It's a place I had the pleasure of spending a couple of days in while backpacking through southern Spain in 1996. It's a part of the world that is electric - alive in color, taste, and sound.

Recuerdos de mi Tierra is one of the best examples we have from this time and place. It takes the blueprint laid out by Triana, and accelerates it forward, while adding large doses of complexity. A complexity that is found in Flamenco music in general. There are speedy guitar runs, acoustic interludes, synthesizer explosions, and dramatic Arabian voices. Mezquita have perfectly captured the realization that progressive rock has a place in this mysterious world, that of southern Spain. This is a type of music that has sadly gone extinct, almost before it begun. By the 1980s, Spain was anxious to be part of a general Europe, and this too was reflected in the music. Likewise, Mezquita's follow up effort was just a mere shadow of its predecessor, an album that could have been from anywhere. But we still have Recuerdos de mi Tierra, an album that has stood the test of time well. Along with Triana's El Patio, and Medina Azahara's debut, Mezquita's album represents the third piece of the triumvirate of masterpieces of Rock Andaluz.

Ownership: 

1979 Chapa (LP). Gatefold. Acquired in 2001.

1990 Crime (CD). Acquired in 1991.

1991; 11/26/01; 8/9/17 (review / new entry)

Tabletom ~ Spain

Mezclalina (1980)

---5/20/09

Such a strange little album, perhaps mirroring the surrealistic cover. On the surface, Tabletom seem to opt for a light, Spanish flavored, jazz rock sound. Flute is the initial featured instrument of choice. Then comes these crunchy power chord guitars, and irregular flamenco style rhythms. Violin and sax also make appearances. The vocalist reminds me of some of the more gravelly Italian guys as found on Jumbo or Odissea. It takes a bit to get into, but this one has a lot to recommend. The last nine minute track is a barnburner. I had thrown the Mezquita name out in the past, but that's a bit misleading, as Tabletom aren't quite as Andalusian influenced as that may imply. They had a few albums after this debut, but I understand they are of less interest, but don't know for certain. Great Dali-esque cover.

---4/29/25

And here we are 16 years later. I almost gave this a +1 as I found myself head-bobbing through most of it. Really enjoy those passionate Italian styled vocals as noted above. There's really nothing else like this from Spain, though maybe you can hear some of the same angst in early Nu. An excellent album that remains relatively unknown.

Ownership: 1980 RCA (LP)

Still not on CD as I update this entry (4/29/25). There does exist an LP reissue however.

2001 (acquired); 5/20/09 (review); 4/29/25

2/3/17 (new entry)

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)

Vega ~ Spain

Sol de Oscuridad (1981)

Sol de Oscuridad is Vega's 3rd album, and is a move from Rock Andaluz over to more traditional jazz fusion. The album cover is the first giveaway, as the stunning Puebla paintings are replaced by... well what is that anyway? Side 1 also contains some vocals that add little value. Side 2 gets back to what Vega does best, and the traditional sounds of southern Spain are reintroduced, though a bit more watered down than prior. Side 2 saves the game, and I probably should give to 3 stars, but I'm a fan so... half point more it goes.

Ownership: LP: 1981 Movieplay promo

No reissues exist as of 2/21/25

10/22/10 (first listen); 3/26/16 (review)

3/26/16 (new entry)

Jordi Sabates ~ Spain

Ocells del Mes Enlla (1975)

Ocells Del Més Enllà is a Flamenco fusion style of progressive rock, with namesake Jordi Sabates on keyboards (Rhodes, Moog, organ, and piano) and Toti Soler on acoustic guitar (often playing in the traditional Flamenco way). The seven piece band is fleshed out with electric guitar, bass, vocals, hand percussion, and drums. Some of the music reminds me of the slower / mellower tracks from the early Mahavishnu Orchestra albums but with a distinctive Spanish flavor (including the familiar hand claps). Wonderful female wordless voices augment this fine recording. 

Ownership: 1975 Edigsa / Zeleste (LP). Acquired in 2023.

First copy: 2000 PDI (CD). Acquired in 2000.

2003 (acquired); 9//04; 6//05; 8/8/15 (review / new entry); 8/13/23 (update)

Mantra. 1979 Spain (archival)

The CD itself says that Mantra sounds like a combo of Azahar, Iman Califato Independiente and Cai. Hard to argue with that and you could throw in other southern Spanish luminaries like Triana, Medina Azahara and Mezquita if you were so inclined. High energy Flamenco styled rock, with symphonic progressive elements (constantly shifting time signatures, synthesizers, heavy guitars...), is what you can expect here. A musically fantastic album.

So it's pretty much the great archival find of 2012 right? Well, I'd be a bit more enthusiastic if the sound quality matched the musical output. Unfortunately these really are demos, and the dull, thin and muddy bass/drums somewhat ruin a potential masterpiece. The album sounds like it's from a 3rd generation cassette tape. Judging by the copious liner notes (in Spanish), and unique photos, this is no shoddy cash-in effort - the fact remains, this is the best music copy available. Arabiand Rock is to be commended for bringing to light a long lost style of Spanish rock music to the world. An album very much worth checking out for fans of Rock Andaluz.

Ownership: CD: 2012 Arabiand Rock

5/6/12 (new entry)

Gualberto - Vericuetos. 1976 Spain

Vericuetos is a Spanish progressive rock classic. Borrowing heavily from the music of India and regional Spain (Andalusia especially), Gualberto incorporates these sounds with a classic Anglo progressive rock perspective for a truly unique blend. Gualberto's guitar style is soulful and rocks hard in places. He also contributes quite a bit of sitar for this album. Plenty of violin and String Synthesizer as well. A must discovery.

Ownership: LP: 1976 Movieplay. Gatefold. This copy was picked up from a friend in 1997. The first LP I owned was the single sleeve going back to 1993. Had the Lost Vinyl CD once but sold it off since it added nothing extra.

new entry

Joe Beck ~ USA

Sabicas with Joe Beck - Rock Encounter (1970)

58 year old Sabicas was a legendary flamenco guitar player from Spain who was living in New York in the 1960s. He somehow was bamboozled by his agent into participating in an instrumental rock album with some of New York’s finest young jazz players at the time (including Joe Beck and Tony Levin). His distinctive flamenco guitar and much respected name was much desired I'm sure.

Maybe it's best we reflect on this situation before going further. Today it's not uncommon for the older generation of musicians to intermingle with the young bucks. I'm sure they remember the resistance they received in their youth and were determined they would be different when they reached gentrification. But in 1970 it simply WAS NOT DONE. To lower one's standards to play simplistic rock music (even if that's not the case, especially here) was an insult to many. And sure enough years later, maybe not surprisingly, Sabicas himself admitted he didn’t like the album.

This is really Joe Beck’s show, and the whole album is so far ahead of its time, it deserves a doctoral study. Though to be fair this was an extension of Beck’s sessions with John Berberian on Middle Eastern Rock - also a landmark work. This extraordinary release predates the Spanish flamenco rock movement (as spearheaded by Triana amongst many others) by at least five years, if not more. An essential pioneering world-jazz-rock-fusion work.

Ownership: 1970 Polydor (LP). Acquired in 1992.

Former copy: 2006 Long Hair (CD). Booklet with liner notes in English and German. Photos as well. Acquired in 2007. Downsized in 2026.

9/23/92; 3/25/07; 6/26/09 (review) 

6/26/09 (new entry)