WORLD OF QUETZAL

This must be one of the most extreme and baroque, time wise, reinterpretations of what seems to others like ancient mythology. I would not go deeper into theological discussions, but the theme implied in Harald Grosskopf's , 1992, "World of Quetzal", well disappeared physically like 500 years ago.

This 80/90s styling kind of holds some involuntary humor in itself, if you take matters too seriously, but then again that is what all the song's titles refer to. The lack of "sacredness" in most songs (there are some Mambo like segments, although inaccurate, fun!) or Grosskopf's concept of it, diminishes the burden of 1000s of years of tradition, folklore, religion, esoteric schools and its eventual decay.

Like a tourist who translates his visiting surroundings to his own native eyes, Grosskopf's musical interpretation is the same quiet personal and obviously set in his own times.

Now! To where it really matters, the music itself. Expect great crossover moments, the eclectic side is spread all around. Percussions, which are always a big deal in Grosskopf's works, obviously are relevant. The seldom use of square drum boxes, is certainly welcomed.

All rhythms are not precisely Mexican (pre-hispanic), which is business as usual, in this geographical borders, as all south continent being named, by bigots, Latin-America. (if they could just call it Latin, they will wet their pants off!), therefore expect Brazilian, Colombian, Mexican and Cuban rhythms, blended with some cosmic or very down to earth synths and an unexpected variety of electronic musical ideas, from fast paced ones to slow paced dronings and their respective and hypnotic highlights.

Not all songs are great, but the good ones are excellent and to keep things in balance, even the weaker songs, hold their intelligent songwriting. Also it is impossible to deny the energy and passion, this Grosskopf's effort, delivers all way through and best of all, this release, could hardly fit in the Latin/Fusion taggins.

3.5 " keeping it in my personal collection" PA stars.