OBRAS DE VIOLETA PARRA

Their web-site mentions that this album was recorded and mixed in France as soon as in 1980. It was released in Latin America some four years later. It is a kind of tribute to Violeta Parra who was an important character in the Chilean folklore. If the band uses the titles of Violeta's songs, lyrics are changed and original songs with lyrics are turned into full instrumental tracks ("Run Run, Se Fue Pa'l Norte"). Maybe they just wanted to recall her that way.

Let's be honest : "Los Jaivas" produce a much more ethnic and folkloric music than a really prog one. But when you listen to the long opening track of this album "Arauco Tiene Una Pena" one has to recognize that the opening instrumental part is truly great. Very much in the Wakeman style. Things get more complicated when the trumpet enters the scene and get worse when vocals start even if lyrics are interesting and depicts the arrival of the Spaniards in South America and all the misery they brought to the native people. A good song. The best one from "Obras".

But songs as "El Guillatún" (featuring weak vocals) and "Mañana Me Voy Pa'l Norte" (the worst by far here - press next type of song) can hardly be taken into consideration on this site.

Lyrics from Y Arriba Quemando El Sol are describing the difficult situation of small villages from the Chilean Pampa. They are the most interesting part of this song, but if you're not into Spanish, there are little to retain in terms of music and melody I'm afraid. These vocals really sound uninspired and as if their lead singer was completely bored while interpreting these. Come on, you're talking about your homeland, man! This long song is fully "Bolero" oriented and has the same and repetitive mood from start to finish. Dull.

The structure of "El Guillatún" is more complex. Truly progressive this time and influenced by some pleasant Spanish sounds. Fully instrumental (thanks guys) it features nice fluting and delicate piano. The whole number is played in a tranquil mood, and it sounds almost as a classical piece of music for most of it. Still, a very pleasant track.

"El Gavilán" features some female vocals (Isabel Parra, maybe a relative of Violeta) and even if there is a very good guitar part in there, I can't be overwhelmed with enthusiasm while listening to it. The last good moment from this average album is the beautiful "Run Run, Se Fue Pa'l Norte". Superb melody and sweet guitar. My second fave from this offering.

Violeta Ausente (originally Paloma Ausente) is also a weak track. Mariachi oriented! Not really expected on a prog album. And the short accordeon closing number doesn't hold anything great to my ears.

This album is totally overrated (at least from a prog point of view). Two stars.