SI TÚ NO ESTÁS

It is not one of their greatest album, and yet it does however capture the sprit of doing a first Jaivas albun done not entirely with drummer Gabriel Parra, for he died before completing recording sessions for this album. I think Los Jaivas did a program for Canal Trece in chile, Los Jaivas live on the Antartic military base surrounded by glaciers and snow, and performing some eclectic array of songs, done in mid- 80's, have it on vhs, never seen it on dvd though.

A farewell to Gabriel Parra.

This very special album in LOS JAIVAS discography sounds unlike any of their records. After such grandiose, gorgeous, monumental works as ''Alturas de Machu Picchu'' and ''Obras de Violeta Parra'' it was natural for the band members to create some lighter, less complex songs, expressing their personal feelings.

Recording sessions started in March, 1987 in Paris. Only two songs were recorded with drummer Gabriel Parra, 'Aquamarina' and 'El Dormilón Imposible', but at least 3 songs, 'Niña serrana', 'Pájaro Errante' and 'El Dormilón Imposible' were played live (with Gabriel) during band's Chilean 1988 tour.

Unfortunately the year 1988 became tragic for LOS JAIVAS - Gabriel Parra died, on his way from Chile to Peru, in a car accident. Reports say 25 000 Chileans came to his funeral. No wonder the band dedicated the album ''Si Tu No Estás'' to their beloved friend and brother.

Now to the music. First of all, unusual, for the band, set of instruments was used for this record: no grand piano and mini-Moog, only Yamaha synthesizers; no flutes, ocarinas and trutrucas. The result is... yes, you guessed - most poppier LOS JAIVAS album ever. But don't hurry with conclusions - songs are inspired, catchy and memorable, band's good musical taste is, as always, here.

Instead of making pathetic requiem the band created sincere, intimate and emotional album painted by light grief. Some songs ('Como tus Ríos te Recorren', 'Rosas en el Jardín' and 'Solitarios de un Beso') have obvious retro feel and sound like popular Latin American music of 1940s - 60s. Others - like pop or pop-rock of the 80s - 90s.

My personal highlights are the title track, 'Niña serrana', 'Rosas en el Jardín' and 'Solitarios de un Beso' - light, fragile melodies and beautiful singing by Gato Alquinta. This short (only 33 minutes) album has no fillers and is good for 'proper' listening and for listening in the background as well.

It's not easy for me to rate the album. It is not prog at all, but I really enjoy the songs. I think 3 stars will be fair.

Obviously titled in the memory of their drummer Gabriel Parra who passed away in 1988 in a car accident in Peru, this album sounds different from their previous recordings.

I have never been a deep fan of their pure folkloric Andean music, but on this (extremely short) album they explore some more modern and pop music. Still, one department which has always sound poor to my ears are the vocals. And there won't be any improvement here like during the reggae-ish (!) "Pájaro Errante" and the poor "Niña Serrana".

The whole of this album is a sequence of very weak tracks. Nor their powerful beats somewhat "Santana" oriented from their very early work nor their native folkloric music are present. Not talking about some prog elements from Alturas De Machu Picchu .

This leading to a totally uninteresting album. Songs as "Como Tus Ríos Te Recorren" might be featured in family reunions in Latin America but don't belong to this site. Press next.

The worst being achieved with "Rosas En El Jardín". Gosh! Really awful, believe me. I know the Latin American way of life very well and I appreciate a lot while going back to Mexico which is my second homeland. But when I listen to such a song, I can only say one thing : press next (again).

This album is one of their poorest. Absolutely not prog for a ? cent. Poor and useless. Avoid it by all means.