TRYO

TRYO is a unique group with captivating melodies and more rock or even heavy pieces, with disconcerting jazzy variations.

"Suramérica" begins with an interesting, symphonic Floydian style; quickly the vocal duo of Ismael and Francisco which amplifies the South American atmosphere; fresh flute and keyboard in the chorus, on soft RUSH; break with a guitar solo developing a darker atmosphere before returning to the cheerful chorus, a little too much. "Canoeros Celestes" starts with old-time prog, ELP keyboard, YES, heavy riff; tangle of guitar and organ on a DEEP PURPLE genre of melodic rock; the second logical break on a jazzy-funky-bluesy rock guitar solo, fresh before the return of the Rushian chorus. "Nómades" Andean flute, typical atmosphere before the arrival of a dark cello; the guitar is electric and melancholy at the same time; slowed tempo before a section sung between ZAPPA and MAGMA in mantra; break with a nasty riff, we eye the hard, we even reach for it; this riff feels good, moving away from the 70s in fact; the guitar becomes plaintive accompanied by a piano and the return of the stereophonic cello; smells of jazz and air à la AL DI MEOLA and PONTY, in short the slap in the face.

"Orillas" continues with this traditional American tune with waves in the distance; the voice has a lot to do with it, you have to be able to let go, slip into it; it goes up and more with the metronomic drums which amplify the martial air; superb moment with the shimmering synth; jazzy-prog development for a while and confusing guitar solo, the vocals become dark, intense; the aggressive drums reminiscent of 'The Knife' give way to the synth invading the sound space before a calm return through the water, a brief second slap. "La Huida" another nervous, progressive instrumental piece, with the sound of yesteryear, with a jazzy touch and a gripping riff; dark, intimate fast break, xylophone to dream; tempo which varies and the monolithic crystalline guitar in the background ideal for escaping; strong return with vintage keyboard-guitar duo, well marked however and the shock triptych of two worlds/refuge/progressive transformation as desired; I find some of the VITAL MINIMUMs from the start. "Danza Rebelde" for a destiny/struggle/victorious outcome in three drawers; fat synths coming out of a medieval game then a heavy bass, galloping horses for a medieval folkloric air; the keyboard sets the musical framework before the guitar amplifies the air; the drier drums, bordering on tribal, then print the folk rhythm of several continents with a trumpet; final with the fat, nervous, jerky synth and the varied progressive instrumental, singular but marking their musical territory. "La Unión" arrives for the solemn piano interlude with struck notes that do not allow you to rest, leading to "Elementos" and its hard riff for a gripping chorus: we are still here; soft vocal for once, melodic Japanese air, Breton, from the ports of the world; nervous break, punchy rock, dynamic and modern which is a plus; the choirs start with the songs of the world, religious, of bearded fishermen for the final piece. "Trascender" to really conclude with a traditional instrumental, from flute to cello, cello for an air of shamanic rest, a timeless vibration carried by Indian percussion, the one heard at the beginning of the album.

TRYO (Chile) : "Órbitas: A Journey through the Cosmos and the Being towards a New Consciousness" (2016)

Órbitas is the new and long awaited album of the outstanding South American band "TRYO" (Chile), with nearly 30 years of extraordinary artistic career in their home country and abroad. This amazing work (the first completely conceptual in their discography) represents -according to the artist- : "A journey through the Cosmos (macro cosmos - universe) and the Being (the micro cosmos that each of us is). The voyage is a metaphor for a human, spiritual, and transcendent experience, a learning path that will take us from ignorance to wisdom, darkness to light, and from an ego to a soul culture, all expressed through the universal language of music".

The album consists in 7 very interesting and varied tracks, each inspired by the various meanings, elements and characteristics of the 7 major energy centers in our subtle body, called The Chakras (as recognized by the Hindu spiritual tradition). In this sense, this travel goes from the macro cosmos (outer world) to the micro cosmos (inner world), and from the 1st chakra (track 1) to the last chakra (track 7).

Although, it is a very visual music that reflects correctly the concept that inspired this work, the album´s title and each track´s name includes subtitles that seeks to support the listener in a better understanding of each stage of this spiritual journey. The song lyrics also play a useful role, providing appropiate references that light the path of the cosmic traveller. The message is deep, coherent, relevant and optimistic, and the artist encourages to search within us (individually and as a society) to achieve the necessary solutions to our problems, reach the best version of ourselves and a New Global Consciousness (all crucial goals considering the complex, selfish and competitive world we are living in).

The inclusion of more compositions with vocals, the addition of instruments ? equipments ? sonorities never recorded before, and the participation of recognized Chilean and international guest artists, represent important efforts of the band to take its art to the next level.

TRYO makes it clear that even though its work fusions different musical genres (rock, jazz, folk, prog, world, classical and vanguard music), its unique sound is all of that and much more.

Órbitas is really a true masterpiece, one of the most important Prog - Fusion comebacks of the year and also between the best Latin American albums of 2016. In 43 minutes, the band shows all of its great power, sensibility, creativity, virtuosity and versatility, in electric-acoustic formats and instrumental - vocalized songs.

This new TRYO´s album has an excellent sound, a very important message to deliver and the complement of a beautiful - elegant art work. Undoubtly, it constitutes the renovation of the band`s sound and image, an enormous triumph of their art (confirming that they are back and in the best shape ever), and the opportunity to give an important new step forward to their international consolidation in the major leagues of Prog - Fusion music. It really seems like the only limits for these three amazing musicians are the ones that they can put to each other ... its great to know that we will have TRYO´s music for many years more!

Review of TRYO (Chile) "Orbitas"- an album was given me by the band and the review written at their request.

Warning- nothing good comes easy! This is especially the case when challenging music with challenging themes is presented. In this case, TRYO (Chile)- to distinguish this TRYO from any other bands named "Tryo"- reminds me of the moment when the birthing- room nurse placed my firstborn, wrapped neatly in a tiny bundle, in my arms. It was a spiritual moment. I'm not referring to religion. "Church". Synagogue. Temple. Rather, I'm thinking of something Greater Than, the Transcendent, something like collective energy, the Divine?perhaps even Love. I burst into tears, with no conscious thought, holding my daughter- a miracle! I fell in love. But little did I know what was ahead. As any parent can tell you, there is joy, and there is suffering in parenthood. TRYO (Chile) presents us with a spiritual work using music, lyrics, and collective energy from this veteran band (closing in on 30 years together, all three original members). Impression number ONE: It takes time to learn to love this music. Impression number TWO: It is well worth taking that time. TRYO (means TRIO- in Spanish) includes Felix Carbone Kind- drums/percussion; Francisco Cortez Aguilara- bass guitar, cello; and Ismael Cortez Aguilar, guitar. Collectively, and with the help of their manager Ignacio Carvajal and the album's artist (design), Ivan Gonzalez Smith, this trio of musicians becomes more than the sum of their individual parts. Impression number THREE: There is inherent spirituality in the collective energy of three skilled musicians who have something to say. Each of the seven tracks represent one of the chakras- the energy points in the "subtle body". 1. Viaje Cosmico (Cosmic Voyage), first chakra- the roots, the basis, survival. The music is electric, vibrant, intricate, filled with rhythm and interplay. 2. Orbitas (Orbits), second chakra- emotions, the search for growth and balance. The music here, also electric, features the careful use of guitar effects interwoven into the tapestry of the music. 3. Crudo (Crude). third chakra- represented by fire, and concerned with power, control, and discovery of the true self. This electric piece if filled with raw energy, opens boldly, subsides, then builds. Bassist Francisco shines, at times taking the lead. 4. Cyan, representing one of the elemental colors of the spectrum, as a metaphor regarding the fourth chakra- balance, acceptance, equilibrium. Cyan abruptly shifts us into another dimension, as it moves into an acoustic sound. There's an Indian flavor to the vocals of Pascuala Ilabaca, mournful, a lament? This music suggests the spiritual quest for something beyond, for greater truth, and for communications from the heart. 5. La Montana (The Mountain), fifth chakra- ether, sound, vibration. The mountain represents the spiritual challenge- it's one thing to hold a newborn. It's another to raise a child. This too is acoustic- delicate, chiming guitars, violin (guest Boris Del Rio), and vibraphone- interwoven, intuitive. This is the result of almost 30 years of working together. 6. El Despertar (The Awakening), the sixth chakra- light, the 3rd eye. Here the ensemble playing is also acoustic and filled with the intuitive, feeling, and thought. 7. Condensacion(Condensation), "the Spiral, the Source, and the cosmic consciousness." Back to the energy of the electric TRYO. First the meditative opening. Then thunder, and vocals that represent the seventh chakra, "Together as one?together we are one." In about 43 minutes we have taken an intense and enlightening journey- one could say, spiritual- from darkness to light, from ignorance to wisdom.

Two years after Tryo's debut another release through Via Producciones appears in the horizon, this time recorded live under the title ''Crudo''.The always sophisticated French label Musea was responsible for landing this CD overseas the same year.

The first half of ''Crudo'' is delivered in a style already known by this excellent trio of Chilean instrumentalists: A powerful, complicated and heavy Progressive Rock with dynamic Fusion mannerisms, somewhere between mid-70's KING CRIMSON and a harder MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA with strong essence of JOHN MCLAUGHLIN and ROBERT FRIPP workouts, divided in loose grooves, crazy solos and complex guitar lessons.The rhythm section is absolutely fantastic with deep and breezy bass lines next to some superb, technical drumming.Scratching riffs, furious rhythmic tones and sudden changes create skillful and virtuosic music all the way.The monumental ''Nueva epoca'' along with the following ''Fanfarria'' are two of the best examples of frenetic Heavy Fusion with a high technical level, full of impressive gears and breaks.Around the middle the sound of birds on ''Transcurso'' will try to introduce the listener to a completely different mood.What comes next is the total acoustic performance of Tryo, somewhere between Acoustic and Chamber Music.Electric guitars give their place to classical ones, bass is replaced by cello and the drums by percussion.These come as series of Tryo on melancholic, acoustic crescendos with nostalgic vibes, Ethnic orientations and Classical atmospheres, far from their heavier side and deep into more dreamy and trippy stylings.

I admit the second part is not exactly dissapointing, but definitely far from the tastes of the average Prog or Rock fan.Nevertheless, even these pieces are executed with sincere love, evolving into smooth, atmospheric cuts.Regarding the first half, no accurate words can describe Tryo's impressive performance, absolutely essential for lovers of dense, instrumental Prog.A bit of an uneven release, still strongly recommended...3.5 stars.

I won't deny that I was disappointed with this album but I have nobody to blame but myself. I like to do my homework before buying a cd, and I didn't know that this was an all acoustic record.

I really enjoyed their "Patrimonio" album, especially the heavy, electric passages. I wish they had done as they usually do, and that is mix the acoustic with the electric. I won't describe the music like I usually do because honestly it's pretty much acoustic guitar, cello, vibraphone and percussion throughout. And while these are fine songs that are quite enjoyable, it wears thin after a while for me. Just my taste in music I guess, because if it was all heavy bass, drums and guitar I would be happy. I really like the title track and "Nimios", while the final track is a nice change as it's the only song with actual vocals on it. So there you have it, beautiful acoustic music that really has nothing to do with Jazz like their earlier albums.

It seems to me like Tryo had more potential, but they haven't used it totally, or at least in this album (together with "Dos Mundos", that gives me a similar impression). They are good musicians and reaches great levels in the compositions, but only in certain moments. And songs like 'Vitral' and 'Nueva Época' definitely should last some more minutes.

The first set, live and "plugged", doesn't convince with the two opening tracks, but then, despite the mentioned issue, is a good moment of heavy prog, highlighting the wah solo on 'Nueva Época'

The second set, acoustic, again loose an opportunity of being something better, especially on 'Nocturno', too plane to catch me. 'Nguillatún' and 'Mantra' are pretty good songs, but not the best of the acoustic Tryo.

"Crudo" appears like a good album, a clear reference to what Tryo is, but, at the end of the day, remains a sense like something was missing.

TRYO are a power trio from Chile who blend Jazz, spacey soundscapes, and flat out heavy Rock music on this recording. There is so much variety on this album, and it did take some time for this to grow on me, but now I love this band. This is complex and enjoyable music that is pretty much all instrumental except for one track.

The album opens with a four part suite that is about the Port of Valparaiso. It starts off with "Valparaiso Psicodelico" as we hear different sounds from the sea and the city. 1 1/2 minutes in it we get some music as a spacey atmosphere arrives.The bass is prominant in this spacey tune as cello comes in late. "Juegos" opens with samples of children as strummed acoustic guitar and cello lead the way. "Puerto" is another acoustic song as cello, guitar and drums provide the music as the song opens with the sounds of ships and sea gulls. The final song of the suite is "Marina". It opens with the sounds of someone under water. This is another acoustic track. The acoustic guitar melodies are quite intricate and the cello helps fill out the sound. The song ends as it began.

"Camino" is a short spacey song,while "Contrastes" gives us some energy for the first time on this album. An uptempo song that reminds me of RUSH until it veers off to a jazzy direction. Some great guitar and bass follow. "Requadros" continues the jazzy music until we get a heavy passage 2 1/2 minutes in. Nice. "Estudio" is the first song where I hear KING CRIMSON-like sounds. This is one of my favourites on the album, but it's way too short. "Danza Del Furor" consists of cello, guitar and what sounds like xylophone. "Justicia" is my favourite song on this album. This is also the longest track. It has a nice, heavy and melodic soundscape that picks up speed 3 minutes in. What an amazing song ! "Grieta" is another inspiring song that just rocks ! This one has vocals on it with some ripping guitar melodies. "Epilogo" is a short heavy song.

As I said in the beginning this album has some good variety on it, and these guys can play with the best of them. 4 solid stars.

In "Crudo", their sophomore album, the Chilean ensemble Tryo made an explicit exhibition of their two musical facets, the electric one and the acoustic one, although not integrated yet, but each one filling a different half of the album. The first 6 tracks are played live on a stage of the city of Viña del Mar, with the band sticking to the power trio format. The remaining tracks are conceived in the vein of chamber music with an array of classica lguitar, cello and assorted percussions, featuring vibraphone. It is easy to notice that the band prefers to work on these two sides separately in order to help the mature before they get intertwined as they would be in their excellent two following efforts "Patrimonio" and "Dos Mundos". Mostly, the band uses its electric sources as a medium for extrovertive expressions, while the acoustic stuff is aimed at the creation of introspective ambiences. The opener 'Fuenteovejuna' is a shorter rendition of a track (one of the best) from their eponymous debut album, in this way settling a kind of emotional heat shared with the audience. 'Fuenteovejuna' is pure Tryo trademark: a mixture of Crimsonian prog, heavy rock and jazz-based textures. 'Viento de Otoño' sets an emphasis on the jazz factor: the subtle guiar chord progressions display an evocative nucleus akin to the title's message (translated: 'Autumn Breeze'). The guitar lead that appears somewhere in the middle is constrained enough not to break the track's overall spirit. 'Vitral' and 'Nueva Épca' are more explicitly muscular, with an added touch of sophistication that allows the band to flee the usual hard rock clichés: the use of complex rhythmic shifts and dense nuances is fluidly created by the threesome in constant inner dialogue. I personally regret that 'Vitral' doesn't last longer, since I feel that it's got enough hook to justify a further expansion. but that's how it is, and as it is it's OK. 'Fanfarria' is focused on the band's most explosive side in a display of rocking energy recycled through progressive ornaments. 'Homenaje' closes down the live portion with a powerful Zeppelin-esque array carefully laid over a jazz- rock skeleton: arguably, this track comprises the best performance by the rhythm section in the album. 'Transcurso', which is only a brief sequence of crickets and birds' sounds among dew drops in a forest, kicks off the album's second half. 'Nocturno' is a 3- section piece in which the classical guitar and the cello join forces in a delicate sonic marriage that protrays melancholy and mystery in a most refined way: the percussive input is eerie and subtle, yet quite relevant to fulfill the piece's whole mood. You can tell from this track alone that these guys really have come to master the art of saying much with soft acoustic music. 'Nguillatun' is even mre mysterious, even somber at places: the constraint acoustic guitar chords, the floating cello lines and the evocative solution provided by the hand drums, all together bring a pleasant landscape to the listener's mind. 'Mantra' brings back the melancholy of 'Nocturno' albeit with a slightly higher degree of intensity, a notion that is properly confirmed at the fourht minute, which is when an enthusiastic ethnic motif emerges, showing off tropical colors. 'Danza' occupies the album's last minute, with a nacoustic reprise of one motif from 'Fuenteovejuna'. All in all, "Crudo" is a faithful testimony of Tryo's maturity as an ensemble, and a clea ranticipation of more brilliant things to come. All those who are still in awe with the beauty of the band's 2005 effort "Viajes" will be able to undertand it better if they get acquainted with this album' second half.

Tryo is three-men-band from Valparaiso, Chile and "Viajes" (in English "Travels" - isn't it?) is their fifth album. Usually this band has been electric trio (el. guitar, el. bass/cello + drums) and therefore the music of them has been more usual (not bad) because of the soundspectrum. But this record "Viajes" is surely my personal favourite album released by Tryo - on this record they play mainly acoustic but very beautiful-sounding instruments, for example vibes, marimba, darbukka, also cello and acoustic guitar. The music is very gentle and full of loveliness with pleasant melodic lines - mostly instrumental, the last tune includes vocals in Spanish. My personal favourite "travels" are maybe "Viajes", "Nimios", "Ambientes" and "Exploraciones" I, II, III. Very beautiful listening!

would give it a 3.5 stars... tracks 1 to 6 are LIVE, the other half of the album is acoustic oriented (cello, guitar, marimba and percussions) but recorded on studio. king crimson influenced, 70's jazz fussion, 80's metal... but really the best part is the highly technical classical composition skills over acoustic parts. PATRIMONIO is far better.