LOS JAIVAS [AKA: TODOS JUNTOS; LA VENTANA]

This early LOS JAIVAS offering is lighter on the prog and heavier on the folk, particularly on the style stereotypically known to North Americans and Europeans, with plenty of flutes, shouted vocals, and percussion. While these qualities make the album of limited interest for progressive fans, there are a few standout tracks that might make "Todos Juntos" worth an extra look.

The title cut combines lively Latin folk with the rock music of the day. Not particularly progressive, and actually a hit in their homeland, its appeal is nonetheless off the charts. The acidic lead guitar is particularly noteworthy. "Indio Hermano" is in the same vein if not quite as strong. "Mira Niñita" and "Ayer Cache" are other highlights, the latter like a Chilean version of what the Moody Blues were doing at the time, mellow and trippy, and while the longest cut "Los Caminos..." sports some interesting progressive themes, it does tend to drag.

Elsewhere, the material drags with its traditional fabric and few updates. "Corre Que Te Pillo" could come from any buskers anywhere, and "Cuero Y Piel" is mostly just a drumming exercise, probably best experienced on a street corner for 30 seconds before reaching for your change purse.

For an early 70s album from one of Latin America's foremost prog groups, one might expect a little more adventurousness, but remembering that most of us come from backgrounds with limited exposure to music from that part of the world, an appreciation of "Todos Juntos" becomes an "all together" worthwhile achievement in cultural competency.