BANDHADA

A Chilean band, found in early-80's in Santiago de Chile by guitarist Carlos Chung.The rest of the crew included bassist Philip Clark, drummer Eduardo Correa, wind instrumentalist Carlos Dominguez and keyboardist Alfonso Feeley.Back at the time Bandhada had a great live activity, performing in universities, cafes and theaters, but their self-titled album from mid-80'd wouldn't have escaped obscurity if it wasn't for the Mylodon CD reissue two decades later (with a couple of live bonus tracks).

This is really stunning and airy Prog/Fusion , maybe with a Canterbury edge at moments, evoking the jazzier side of CAMEL or even Dutch legends SUPERSISTER.An all instrumental experience, containing massive breaks and interplays but also a fair dose of melodic parts.The sound is driven by the superb flute parts with a strong Classical inspiration, the jazzy guitar pieces of Chung and the CHICK COREA-like style of playing of keyboardist Feeley, including synthesizers and electric piano.The atmosphere is very optimistic, energetic and pleasant with beautiful, dreamy melodies and an incredible ability by the group to change the sound from rich musicianship to more ethereal soundscapes.They sound like a flute-driven version of TANTOR, while the solos are many but far from the self-indulgent deliveries offered by a huge number of groups performing the style.

Awesome instrumental Prog/Fusion of high calibre, where technique and melody are harmonically placed together.Highly recommended.

BANDHADA were a five piece Jazz band out of Chile, a bunch of young guys still in University learning to get better at the music they loved. And really my first impressions were that these were players, very skilled. They also can't sit still as these compositions are about as proggy as you get in Jazz, constantly shifting the tempo, the solo instrument, repeating themes. Adventerous but somewhat light for my tastes, still from the first spin I liked this one a lot. I knew this was special. Annoying when I'm making notes at what I'm hearing because of how often they change things up.

Released in 1984 and there are synths which was my first concern but they pass the test although just barely sometimes. Having said that I do like they way they use them as atmosphere and the melancholic bits. A five piece from Chile! I have so many bands in my collection from this nation but this one stands out for the style of music and the year it was released. A delight for the ears my friends. That bass sounds awesome, the guitar is mostly the Jazz style, quite intricate, fluid, fast at times. Drumming and keys are great then there's the sax/flute man who is like the whip cream on top of this tasty release. Yeah I'm getting hungry.

Hey this band released this sole record in 1984 and before and after it they played live a lot and that comes through on this record. It would have been something to witness these guys. 25 years after this release they get back together with the core trio now living in LA with a new horn dude and drummer and released "Open Cage" in 2009. Crazy thing is that I got that one before this one. I gave that 3.5 stars but couldn't click on that fourth star. Hitting 4 stars here is not a problem it's just too impressive on many levels. So much enthusiasm and with the skills to make it all work so beautifully.

No I'm not describing this music, too much work but my top three are the opener "La Septima", "El Vuelo Del Hada" at track five and the closer "Rompiendo La Soledad". Love the cover art as well. This was a find.