ORO LANO MEE BATEK...

This 1974 release was Lertxundi's first true LP, since his "debut" was really a compilation of singles. The style remains mostly unaccompanied and upfront voice with acoustic guitar, but a few embellishments are tentatively introduced, and If his overall energy level and interpretations of Mexican poet Lizardi leave me unchallenged, the same cannot be said for the magic he works with the Basque composer José Antonio Artze, who was closely allied to the Ez Dok Amairu movement. In particular, "Zure askatasunagatik" is notable for its caressing sax(?) complimenting the gentle melody. Other influences are infused, in, particular that of Brittany's ALAN STIVELL, who by now had released several groundbreaking recordings, and, while at this time the connection seems limited to "Entzun Zazu", a poignant Scottish ballad deployed on Stivell's "Chemin de Terre" the prior year, it portends future musical convergences in its first rate choice and arrangement. While Lertxundi cannot be truly said to have hit his stride at this point, and might have in some ways retrenched a little from his more vivacious earliest work, this disc furthered his reputation as a serious, if not downright ponderous, exponent of new Basque music.