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REDD

Eclectic Prog • Argentina


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Redd biography
REDD is the most prominent progressive band from Tucumán (Argentina). After the dissolution of LA PEQUEÑA BANDA DE TRÍCUPA (or TRÍCUPA, for short), guitarist Luis ALBORNOZ and drummer Juan ESCALANTE decided to move on and form a new band with a more experimental vein; bassist Esteban CERIONI joined very soon. In January 1977 REDD was a reality. The creative department was completed with the participation of Ricardo GANDOLFO as lyricist. The band's debut on stage took place in June of that same year, when the trio headlined for L. A. SPINETTA, one of the greatest heroes in the history of Argentina's rock. By the end of 1977, REDD contacted the people of M.I.A. in order to get acquainted with the dynamics of independent recording and distribution. In 1978, the trio gained a minor cult among concert goers in Buenos Aires and a good critical reception. It is in 1979 that the band manages to release the debut album "Tristes Noticias del Imperio", which had been recorded the year before. It stated a mixture of INVISIBLE, GENESIS and KING CRIMSON, with touches of jazz-rock. The instrumentation was augmented with the keyboard ornaments delivered by CERIONI and ESCALANTE, plus the former adding some acoustic guitar besides his bass/keyboard inputs. A few weeks after the completion of the album's recording, ESCALANTE was diagnosed with a disease that severely affected his hearing: this tragic event led him to give up music. Finally, in 2005, he lost his battle against cancer.

Back in 1979: the band's new line-up was augmented into a quintet, with the entry of lead singer Óscar IMHOFF, keyboardist Pollo Raffo and new drummer Marcos PUSINERI. The style remained essentially the same, but the instrumentation was fuller and more powerful, somewhat emphasizing the symphonic aspect - no doubt that this was due to the presence of a permanent keyboardist. Near the end of 1979, REDD's sophomore album "Cuentos del Subsuelo" had been recorded and it had been planned for release by early 1980, but it wasn't meant to be. The band dissolved in 1981. Since RAFFO had left the band to pursue musical studies in Berklee (USA), Lito VITALE played keyboards for the band in the last concerts. "Cuentos del Subsuelo" eventually met its first release in digital format in 1996.

This was not the end for REDD. In fact, something special happened that brought REDD back to the map: on the December, 27th of 2002, a show called Re-Unión gathered old Tucumán bands from the 70s and the ...
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REDD discography


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REDD top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.51 | 30 ratings
Tristes Noticias del Imperio
1979
3.68 | 26 ratings
Cuentos del Subsuelo
1996

REDD Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

REDD Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

REDD Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

REDD Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

REDD Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Tristes Noticias del Imperio by REDD album cover Studio Album, 1979
3.51 | 30 ratings

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Tristes Noticias del Imperio
Redd Eclectic Prog

Review by Argentinfonico

3 stars The first thing I will say about this album is that, in several respects, it exceeded my expectations. It has a very original sound (especially considering it was released in 1978). I can't even notice a definite influence, only small traces of Pastoral... But the instrumental performance has a unique style. Melodies perhaps inspired by centuries past. "Reyes En Guerra", "Nocturno De Enero" and "Matinee" are three good but very similar songs... And, despite their originality, they are somewhat tedious. They could be merged to form a suite. The high point of the album is the instrumental song "Kamala", which is divided into two parts. It is the most fun and creative section of the album.

It gets its 3 stars because of its authenticity. If I didn't know it was an Argentinian band, I would blindly bet that it is.

PS: It's interesting the comparison between the lead vocalist and Pedro Aznar's voice. I would never have known that Pedro was so influenced by Juan Escalante if I didn't listen to this album.

 Tristes Noticias del Imperio by REDD album cover Studio Album, 1979
3.51 | 30 ratings

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Tristes Noticias del Imperio
Redd Eclectic Prog

Review by Awaken 6am

4 stars Hi ! Back after a few weeks to bring you Sad News From The Empire (Which in fact is the english translation of this album`s name) Founder member, alma matter bassist, singer and main composer friend Esteban Cerioni passed away last weekend, at his homeland and Redd base, Tucumàn province, Argentina. We had several afternoons at home sharing cofee and music, mainly his. Incredible is I can remember him saying, almost joking but not so... "If I`m to die, let it be playing on stage... There you are, yo got it.... To the music Itself : There could be two different reviews of this same album. LP version must be rated (IMHO) as 4 and a half stars. No, this is no "Eclectic Prog", this is just a fantastic very homogeneous record. OK, Opener "Reyes en Guerra" is very much as that "Easy Money" from Lark`s Tongues in Aspic, in fact band`s name In words of Esteban himself was a "Red" tribute Expert listeners may find some little PFM influences too here and there. That`s all regarding Influences Dpt. for the rest what you get is one of the five best argentinean real progressive rock records. General mood is ethereal, somewhat nocturnal. Very scarce LP release, and oftenly pricey. Other review could be that of it`s first release on CD on brazilian Progressive Rock Worldwide Records with tracks on different running order for no reason and 3 disposable live bonus tracks with awful sound quality. Thank God you can also get argentinean Viajero Inmovil records release on CD in miniature LP replica sleeve release , its 6 tracks on their original running order and several outtakes and live cuts this time on much more listenable audio quality. Get it the way you can but dont miss this real masterpiece.
 Cuentos del Subsuelo by REDD album cover Studio Album, 1996
3.68 | 26 ratings

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Cuentos del Subsuelo
Redd Eclectic Prog

Review by TenYearsAfter

3 stars Redd was from Argentina, in 1979 this band released the album Tristes Noticias Del Imperio as a trio. It contains captivating Fripperian inspired guitar work, along some play on the keyboards (ARP synthesizer strings), but their musis fails to keep my attention the entire album. A second vinyl album was planned but it didn't work out that way and in 1981 Redd call it a day.

But thanks to the medium CD a second album was finally released in 1996, entitled Cuentos Del Subuselo, by Redd as a five piece formation. The music is a totally different story: all tracks feature inventive musical ideas, the vocals are strong, again the guitar work is very good and, last but not least, now we can enjoy a wide range of keyboards, from the organ and electric piano to a lot of vintage synthesizers. The best example of Redd their unique sound on this CD is the highlight Los Entretenimientos De Medianoche Del Profesor Frankestein (wich means The Doctor Frankenstein Midnight Amusement): a compelling Black Sabbath-like atmosphere with a fat guitar sound, powerful vocals and lots of shifting moods.

To me this second Redd album sounds as one of the many interesting and varied but pretty overlooked Latin- American prog albums, worth to discover for the progheads with an eclectic taste.

My rating: 3,5 star.

 Cuentos del Subsuelo by REDD album cover Studio Album, 1996
3.68 | 26 ratings

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Cuentos del Subsuelo
Redd Eclectic Prog

Review by toroddfuglesteg

3 stars This Argentine band has left behind two albums that has given me a lot of head scratching problems. I am almost entirely lost for words..... but not quite.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Redd earlier (together with another PA collab) and that gave me a lot of background info for both this and their previous/debut album. But this album, their second and so far final album, still leaves me bewildered.

Redd was not a standard prog band. Their sound is Eclectic and they recorded this album under the harsh environment of a murderous military junta. Still, the sound here is great and so is the musicians skills. The music is based on the normal guitar, keyboards, vocals, bass and drums setup. The guitars and the vocals are in the foreground of the sound. The bass and drums are thundering around in the background. The vocals are an aquired taste, I have to admit. The Spanish vocals adds good colours to the band and really suits the somber sound. Reference points ? That's difficult. That is really difficult. The nearest reference is Gentle Giant and Cathedral (the 1970s band). Redd is a truly eclectic prog band which has their own unique sound.

The quality of the material is really good. Unfortunate, there is not any great songs here. This album is for me impossible to penetrate even well after ten listening sessions.

If you are looking for a pretty big challenge and for something special, the two albums by Redd should be purchased. I have a lot of time for Redd although their two albums is a mystery to me.

3 stars

 Tristes Noticias del Imperio by REDD album cover Studio Album, 1979
3.51 | 30 ratings

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Tristes Noticias del Imperio
Redd Eclectic Prog

Review by João Paulo

4 stars A very beautiful album of this band from Argentina, from final od seventies decade. Some guitar acoustic and piano parts, made some classic progressive tracks, very balanced and very beautiful. Lyrics are in Spanish, with a melodic male voice, that makes a musical environment calm and quiet, very pleasant to hear. When we hear this album, we noticed that the main influence are the Blues and some Jazz calm. The moments of rock give this musical work, the emotional moments that are of good quality, with a sixties guitar sounds. A good job of bass and drums, instrumental moments with long, well played and worked for the musicians in the band. A good album from Argentina Progressive scene, that give to progressive universe, some very good music bands and moments. A good adiction from seventies collectors. I give 4 stars
 Tristes Noticias del Imperio by REDD album cover Studio Album, 1979
3.51 | 30 ratings

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Tristes Noticias del Imperio
Redd Eclectic Prog

Review by toroddfuglesteg

3 stars Strange album.......

I have given this album a lot of my time recently due to not be able to fully able to make up my mind about it. Hence; not able to write a review.

Well, most of this album feels like a proto- post rock album. That is my main impression. But there is also a lot of real proto-prog and not at least; space rock in this album. Jefferson Airplane springs to mind. So does Velvet Underground too. But Gentle Giant is also present here. The Spanish vocals also gives this album a special flavour. Add some Radiohead too. Wow, this is a rather unique album.

The music is based on the vocals and with some help from tangents (organ, piano), drums, bass, electric and acoustic guitars. The music is more mellow than symphonic and bombastic.

The music is good throughout the album. There is no outstanding tracks, but no weak tracks either. It is a good debut album from a band who recorded this album during difficult circumstances. And that is all I can say about this album.

3 stars

 Tristes Noticias del Imperio by REDD album cover Studio Album, 1979
3.51 | 30 ratings

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Tristes Noticias del Imperio
Redd Eclectic Prog

Review by Windhawk
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Argentinian trio REDD was formed in 1977, and "Tristes Noticias del Imperio" was to be the first of two albums this band issued before disbanding. While they were a highly talented act, a disease affecting the hearing of drummer and keyboardist Escalante diagnosed a few weeks after the completion of this debut effort caused an abrupt stop to the further development of this band, and while a new formation recorded a second album this constellation fell apart, and it wasn't until 1996 this production saw a belated release. This reissue from 2009 of their initial album comes courtesy of Argentinian label Viajero Inmovil Records, and features 5 bonus tracks. It was released in the memory of Juan Escalante, who passed away due to cancer in 2005.

"Tristes Noticias del Imperio" is a good quality effort through and through, a production that has stood the test of time very well indeed. And while perhaps not exploring the most advanced fiels of the progressive rock universe it is an effort that merits a listen by those who have a general fondness for art rock, with followers of artists like Pink Floyd and King Crimson as a likely key audience. Existing fans should find most of the bonus material to be worthwhile as well, as this is one of those rare instances where the additional material is just about as interesting as the rest of the release.

 Cuentos del Subsuelo by REDD album cover Studio Album, 1996
3.68 | 26 ratings

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Cuentos del Subsuelo
Redd Eclectic Prog

Review by ClemofNazareth
Special Collaborator Prog Folk Researcher

4 stars Well Argentinean fans probably know the history of this band far better than I do so I won't attempt to try and unwind the various permutations and lineup changes from their brief existence or the 2002 "reunion". It's enough to note that this record was first recorded as the band's sophomore effort in late 1979/early 1980 but not released until RPW finally put out a digital version in 1996, fifteen years after the band itself had ceased to exist.

Guitarist Luis Albornoz and bassist Esteban Cerioni remain from the trio that recorded the first (and excellent) debut record, and are augmented by a dedicated lead vocalist in Óscar Imhoff, a new drummer with Marco Pusineri and keyboardist in Juan Pollo Raffo. It's interesting to note that Juan Escalante filled all three of those roles on the band's first album.

The synths are much more prevalent here than on the band's earlier work, although everything I've heard from them features a fair amount of keyboard and synth work. With a full-time lead singer there are also a lot more vocals, and Imhoff has a very strong voice although for me the band's music is good enough on its own that they didn't really need to add much singing.

The original recording is rather brief with just five songs that blend together quite well except for the somewhat light and silly "Los Entretenimientos de Medianoche del Profesor Frankestein" which includes some hopped-up vocal echoing and turgid keyboard/guitar passages apparently intended to give off a sort of old-time monster-movie vibe. I'm not sure what the point was of this track and while the music is well done it doesn't quite fit with the rest of the songs.

On the other end of the spectrum is the roller-coaster trip titled "Asesino Sentimental" which ranges from heavy guitar/bass riffs to almost lounge-like electric piano/jazzy vocal passages and slowly fades at the end with a saddish jangle of electric guitar and segues into the closing stilting synths and guitar work of "Dedos Tristes". That one features some beautiful guitar flourishes that call to mind some the great guitar-hero bands and albums of the late seventies and very early eighties. A perfect ending that pulls this album up from just a 'pretty good' level to something quite memorable.

The three bonus tracks are live recordings from the early eighties right before the band dissolved. The sound quality is poor but the extended treatment on "Matinée" from their debut record is especially worth listening to. "Reyes en Guerra" is also from their debut and is for the most part faithful to the original, while "Dedos Tristes" is a live version from the same track on this album and shows the band's ability to extend the various instrumental passages though in the end doesn't add a whole lot to the original.

I've been wanting to listen to this album for a long time after being introduced to Redd from Esteban Cerioni's later effort known as Redd Land. In total the music here is worth seeking out for the beautiful instrumentation and extended arrangements of most of the songs. It's not a masterpiece as far as my ears are concerned, but definitely deserves recognition as something of a lost remnant of a style of music that was sadly in decline by the time Redd recorded it to close out the seventies decade. Four stars out of five is a good and fair rating, and well-recommended to fans of Argentinean 'folk' prog music.

peace

 Tristes Noticias del Imperio by REDD album cover Studio Album, 1979
3.51 | 30 ratings

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Tristes Noticias del Imperio
Redd Eclectic Prog

Review by apps79
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

2 stars 2.5 stars...

REDD were a short-lived prog band of Argentinian origin,formed in mid-70's in Tucuman,after the demise of ''La pequena banda de tricupa''.The later had a good live activity in Buenos Aires,but didn't manage to release anything.Two members of the band,Luis Albornoz and Juan Escalante, decided to follow a more challemging path,adding Esteban Cerioni behind the drums.Towards the end of the decade REDD came in touch with ''M.I.A.'',who helped them record their debut ''Tristas noticias del imperio''.

This is mainly an eclectic mix of sounds,drawing influences from psych rock,jazz and blues,even light symphonic rock,but all wrapped under a very mellow and slow-tempo atmosphere.Acoustic guitars are the main instrument here with some soft sophisticated passages,followed by tracks with psych,almost fuzzy electric guitar work with good breaks.The rhythm section delivers a lot of blues and jazz influences,yet this is always following the generally calm atmosphere.There is even some pastoral,light symph parts,characterized surprisingly by the nice and sensitive vocal lines.It should also be added that the band's sound resembles more to a group from early-70's than a band entering the 80's...this is a decent album actually with a few good moments,but a lot of mediocre and forgettable ones as well...but its main problem is the lack of dynamics and energy throughout....maybe a good addition for fans of acoustic-based relaxed progressive rock.

 Tristes Noticias del Imperio by REDD album cover Studio Album, 1979
3.51 | 30 ratings

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Tristes Noticias del Imperio
Redd Eclectic Prog

Review by Cesar Inca
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars Redd started their discography with this little gem of Argentinean prog "Tristes Noticias del Imperio" - a nice musical work very much influenced by Invisible and Genesis, plus unmistakable King Crimson hints and a heavily jazz-oriented approach on the rhythmic department (mainly due to drummer Juan Escalante's vibe). Unlike their sophomore album recorded one year later with an altered line-up, this album doesn't bear a meticulously developed compositional work: the repertoire's main appeal is based on the dynamics created through the interaction of all three musicians, occasionally augmented by overdubbed guitar parts and synth ornaments. Concerning the repertoire, the CD edition states a different tracklist from the one in the original vinyl, but in my opinion the moods are not essentially modified. I'll comment on the CD edition. The namesake opener brings a catchy, deceitfully simplistic motif constructed around the busy drums and Spartan guitar riffs, followed by two distinct sung sections that go from a melodic jazzy scheme to a slightly bluesy hard rock drive. This track really works as an opener despite the fact that it was the vinyl's closure. 'Kamala' brings a set of serene ambiences, mostly relying on the folkish acoustic guitar: it is a pity that the synth ornaments come right before the track ends, because they promised to bring a more elaborated climax. 'Reyes en Guerra' states a mid-tempo rocker whose lyrics portray disillusionment at the military regime that ruled supreme in Argentine at the time: it's arguably the most powerful track in the album compositionally, and indeed, a Redd classic. 'Matinée' is another Redd classic, stating a melancholy mood on a bluesy jazz tempo, slow as the mood demands it be. 'Nocturno de Enero' really should have been longer: the bucolic prologue and epilogue are delivered properly (almost like "Trespass"-era Genesis-meets CSNY), but the jazz-prog interlude deserved a major development in terms of contrast building. This track promised to be more accomplished in terms of writing and arrangements. 'Kamala II' and 'Kamala III' (the latter, a bonus) continue in the soft, reflective mood stated by the first 'Kamala' theme. The two instrumentals 'Parche Armónico' and 'Después de un Mes', recorded live and included as bonuses, find the band exploring their heavy prog side: Escalante really brings it on with his solid drumming. I only wish this side had been more present in the official tracklist. Anyway, this is a very good album from a band that only recently has gained recognition from prog fans over the world. While not equaling the magic of "Cuentos del Subuselo", "Tristes Noticias" is a very good sample of the kind of prog created in South America in the good old times.

Thanks to Cesar Inca for the artist addition.

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