OPUS I

This is a Brasilian trio in which the band members play keyboards, bass and acoustic guitar and drums, with guest musicians on violin and cello. Their debut CD has strong classical undertones, mainly due to the frequent work on the Grand piano.

1. Diapasoa (8.05) : What an impressive start: after sparkling work on harpsichord, accompanied by a fluent rhythm-section, a long piece on the Grand piano follows, I am blown away by Rodrigo Lana his skills on the keyboards, what a virtuosic! Then we hear orchestral keyboards and some flashy synthesizer lfights along a surprising break with swinging jazzy piano play (with hints from Keith Emerson).

2. Som Do Brasil (1.54) : A short song featuring wonderful work on piano and acoustic guitar including a beautiful duet that sounds very warm.

3. Sonata (6.08) : After an intro with orchestral keyboards, a piece with melancholical piano follows, then it's swinging time with the distinctive Hammond organ sound, obviously inspired by Keith Emerson. The rhythm-section plays outstanding. The final part is an impressive solo piece on piano.

4. Do Ceu Ao Inferno (7.51) : This composition features guest musicians on violin and cello, they match perfectly with the classical piano. After a solo piece, the music gradually turns into a bombastic sound with virtuosic piano.

5. Fuga (2.01) : This is chamber music delivering classical guitar (with a Spanish undertone) and the distinctive harpsichord, I love these instruments!

6. Noite A La Caipirinha (8.05) : A very swinging rhythm with sparkling piano and then a bombastic climate with orchestral keyboards and an adventurous rhythm-section.

7. Rock Espanhol (3.12) : A swirling solo piece on paino, very alternating, awesome!

8. Jazz (5.29) : Indeed, jazz rules in this song, we can enjoy very swinging, jazzy inspired piano work.

9. Piccolo Finale (0.57) : This final composition features a swinging and dynamic atmosphere with a funny end, a good contrast with the virtuosic climate on the whole album.

If you like keyboard-driven prog like ELP, Trace, Triumvirat or Ars Nova, this great debut CD by Brasilian band Diapasao will delight you!