VIAJERO ASTRAL - LIVE IN BRAZIL (AS JAIME ROSAS CUARTETO)

Jaime ROSAS is a Chilean composer and instrumentalist, whose solo career kicked off in 2003 with the release of "Virgo". A further three studio albums have so far been issued in the under his own name, as Jaime Rosas Trio or Jaime Rosas Cuarteto, the most recent "Flashback" from 2011. Rosas also have one live album to his name, "Viajero Astral: Live in Brazil". This CD consists of live material recorded back in 2005, and was jointly released by Rock Symphony and Musea Records in 2008.

Musically we're dealing with a slightly perplexing band here. The keyboards are at the heart of the matter at most times, and one can easily understand the references to ELP as an important influence. When it comes to swirling, challenging and technical abilities at the tangents Rosas knows very well what he's doing, and appears equally at ease playing gentler keyboard passages, bombastic organ sequences or tightly paced keyboard excursions with more of a shredding character to them. Harmony constructions tightly interwoven with the guitar another strong presence, as are the keys used in a more subservient manner when the guitar is given the limelight.

In expression this is a band that roams most corners of the symphonic art rock universe. Even gentler, atmospheric passages, although they are in a clear minority. But tight, energetic performances with a certain bombastic tendency are plentiful. Often harder edged, occasionally verging on progressive metal in style. And while guitars and keyboards dominates throughout, bass and drums puts up a firm and solid foundation. Occasionally reminding me of the rhythm section of 70's Camel in style, but more intense.

The vocal passages of these songs can be a so-so affair, but whenever this act hits an instrumental section to explore they are generally at their best. The two epic compositions both worth mentioning as positive assets in this regard, and even more so the four selected pieces from their "Breve Pieza Rockera" series of tracks, most of which are delightful experiences.

By and large a good quality live production, documenting a strong performance by one of the harder edged symphonic progressive rock artists. A production worth considering of you tend to enjoy material of this nature, and especially if you enjoy listening to them performed live obviously. The recording quality is of good quality too, in case someone might wonder about that.