CAI

The success of ''Mas alla de nuestras mentes diminutas'' led Cai to a change of label and a good contract with CBS' sublabel Epic Records.Additionally the band welcomes new guitarist Jose Fernandez Mariscal in the line-up and the best had yet to come for the Spanish group.In 1980 the second album of Cai was released, entitled ''Noche Abierta''.

The potential of the debut finally becomes reality in the sophomore work of Cai.Top-notch Andalusian Prog with symphonic and strong Fusion hints in compositions, where romantic textures are combined with virtuosic performances.The album is highlighted by the warm singing of Jose Velez Gomez, the incredible guitar twists of the Mariscal/Gonzalez duo and the excellent, delicate piano themes of Sebastian Domínguez Lozano.The band combines the synth-drenched soundscapes of MEZQUITA, the atmospheric lyricism of TRIANA and the musical diversity of GUADALQUIVIR in beautiful arrangements, full of both calm and technical deliveries.Some guitar melodies really stick in the listener's mind, the nice Flamenco-styled crescendos next to the electric solos are masterful and the overall mood is absolutely dreamy with tremendous musicianship all the way.

Definitely one of the best Prog albums from Andalusian lands.Intricate, adventurous but also deeply atmospheric material, which deserves at least a high recommendation.

Very good Spanish band coming from the depths of Andalucia,the city of Cadiz,and performing an impressive mix of Andalusian Rock,Spanish Fusion and Symphonic Rock.

"Más Allá De Nuestras Mentes Diminutas",originally released in 1978 on Lacochu, is a strange album,despite the familiar styles previously presented.The fiery fusion-esque guitars and the Flamenco styled melodies of Francisco Delgado Gonzalez blend with the background symphonic keys of Sebastián Domínguez Lozano and the result is absolutely satisfying.The album is full of unusual breaks and changing tempos,definitely a paradise for a prog listener,while the bombastic fusion style of the band changes into more laid-back music instantly.However the vocals of Diego Fopiani were not meant to stand next to the fine musicianship of the band,as they are rather average,good thing is that they are quite limited.

The 2007 CD release of the album comes with 3 bonus tracks,all of the are excellent and representitive pieces of their next album ''Noche Abierta'',which you should simply purchase.Anyone after Spanish Fusion bands like ICEBERG,IMAN CALIFATO INDENDIENTE or GOTIC should approach this nice Andalusian pearl...3.5 stars.

Flamenco prog rules! If you don't know it, I invite you to listen to some old-school Spanish bands such as Triana, Crack, Mezquita or Cai, they all have a distinctive sound that can please the strictest prog fan. I particularly enjoy that kind of music, love the vocals and the guitar style. Now I am reviewing Cai's second but most recognized album to date, entitled "Noche Abierta" and released in 1980. The eighties was not really the prog decade, however, this album is just an example that if you dig and search you'll always find great music, no matter the year.

This 36-minute album features seven compositions, starting with "Soñé Contigo", a symphonic song with great guitars and an exquisite piano sound, after a minute vocals appear and then you will understand why these Spanish bands have that unique sound, I really love that conjunction between symphonic music with flamenco (vocals and guitars).

"Despertar" is a nice song, a bit weaker than the first one in my opinion, however it is still enjoyable to listen to that soft piano sound accompanied by those Spanish vocals, also, there is a moment where electric guitar add a special flavor to the sound. Next track is better, "Alegrías de Cai" is an excellent composition that starts slow but it gradually progresses, the drums work is extraordinary here and the atmosphere created by keyboards and guitars also good. This is an instrumental, gentle and friendly track that can ease everyone's tension.

Now the title track, "Noche Abierta" offers a similar style to the previous song, fast keyboard- guitar-drums play making some good symphonic (in moments jazzy) sound, and actually, seconds later you will notice that Andalucía sound, and I say it before vocals appear, just listen carefully. When they appear, along with the flamenco guitar, the sound is more evident, of course.

"Extraña Seducción" is a pretty interesting and complex track. Since the first minutes we can appreciate that the band aimed to something big, so they created a piece with odd-time signatures, difficult to appreciate In the first listen, and of course, if we add that Spanish sound then we have to be patient if we want to truly enjoy it. One of their best symphonic pieces!

"La Fábula" creates some kind of spacey sound at first, later it slows down and sounds actually as a ballad but just for ten seconds, because later guitars appear and produces a rockier sound. However, it stops and returns as it began, just in order to change again later, to the second verse. This is a weaker song, in my opinion.

And the album finishes with the longest and best composition, "La Roca del Diablo" which starts slow with some atmospheric sounds, and after a minute it makes a sudden change and a new mood is being build up, the addition of new keyboard elements, drums and guitars leads the song to an intriguing direction. The song is pretty interesting, all the minutes have something to offer, its changes in time and tempo produce several things while listening to it. Worth listening to this track, believe me.

Well, I like this album and play it every now and then, I love its Spanish sound, but to be terribly honest, I am not really convinced by the music on this whole record, I mean, it is that feeling that don't leave you alone, despite I would like to give it a better rating, there is something that stops me and I just cannot do it. My final grade is three stars.

Enjoy it!

Spanish progressive band Cai have recently released their first album for almost three decades, but 1980's ''Noche Abierta'' remains their undisputed classic. It's a generally soothing blend of melodic symphonic prog, with sprinklings of light fusion and a dab of flamenco all served up like a dish of fish. The multi-part ''La Roca del Diablo'' is the album's centrepiece, an 8-minute instrumental that features some brief but tasteful vocoder effects. The album's second instrumental ''Alegrias de Cai'' is another highlight, based around a cheerful groove that's reminiscent of Return To Forever with its fine guitar and synthesizer interplay. The title-track is a beautiful piece Rock Andaluz, complete with flamenco guitar and genial vocals. The second half of the album maybe doesn't quite match the first, although it finishes strongly enough with the above mentioned ''La Roca del Diablo''. Overall it's not as good as Gotic's ''Escenes'' although it is even harder to find, but anyone that does manage to get their hands on a copy of ''Noche Abierta'' is in for a real treat.

Cai - Noche Abierta (1980)

Best record of the year 1980 perhaps?

Recently I was able to buy some new vinyls from my buddy Erik Neuteboom, an important member of our Dutch symphonic community. His devoted appreciation for the Prog Andaluz subgenre (not shown on PA) made me try some of it's fruits. The first record I will review is Cai's Noche Abierta.

The good think about non-English prog is that it's eeeh.. non-English. Instead, some of the influences from the home-country of the band become apparent. The classical art style of the RPI is a good example, but this warm, energetic Flamenco influenced progalbum from Spain is yet another great example. I was very pleasantly surprised by it's innovative power, it's Fado-like vocals that seem to float freely over the multi short note (Gentle Giant comes to mind) melodic structures. The style is a fusion between our beloved classical prog and the traditional Spanish Flamenco. Other influences might be space-rock and some Fusion. The musicians are all very professional and all sophisticated interpretations of Flamenco styled music are played as if it was easy. The symphonic parts are sensitive and the vocals gives the music a totally new dimension. The guitars sound gentle and accurate, sensitivity over note-shredding. The recording is one of the major successes of this album: It sounds like an late seventies record with a perfect production. Don't be afraid, you won't hear any eighties like synths or drums!

The first side has extended song type tracks. The form of the songs isn't always that special, but the level of composition is high and some it's symphonic/space parts are great. The vocals are truly a blessing.

The second side has two longer compositions and is slightly better then side one. Extraña Seducción has one of my favorite ending sections , whilst the fully instrumental La Roca del Diablo proves Cai can play as a 100% symphonic prog band (this track his little Spanish influences). The pace is low, but the solo's are sensitive and the melodies have a big emotional appeal. The symphonic soundscapes are the best of the album. A great ending track for this amazing Prog Andaluz album.

Conclusion. Well.. I fell in love. This is not only high quality prog, but it will also seduce you to listen to it very very often! The Spanish influences are great. I don't think I know of any album of 1980 that sounds better as this one. A very big four star record. Highly recommended!

* Edited

Everyone knows you can't by happiness. However, spending money on this album will surely make it easier to facilitate some happiness! One of the most special records of my collection and it deserves the five star rating.

Cai goes Return to Forever on their final disk, with some Weather Report and Passport thrown in. If you want a lot more improvisation and serious jamming, still within a generally short track format and with a less obvious flamenco flavour, this one is worth exploring. It lacks the overt romance of "Noche Abierta", but the instrumental skill and discipline remain in plentiful supply.

Probably the highlight along these lines is "Mercadillo del Piojito", a simply joyous and energetic instrumental exploration with superb arrangements. Some of the vocal tunes seem geared towards a more pop-oriented audience. This doesn't always work, as in the cheesy keyboards of "El Viaje", but the catchy fast paced "Fiesta en El Barrio" makes up for it.

I suppose I could imagine someone preferring this finale over the predecessor, but it simply lacks the warmth, replacing it with more frenetic mathematical signatures. A lot of quality is still to be found, hence Cai bows out with 3 stars on their "spring" swan song.l to be found, hence Cai bows out with 3 stars on their spring swan song.

Cai combines the authenticity and sense of place of flamenco music with prog instrumentation and an easy jazzy flow, to produce a subtly beautiful work. Don't expect it to jump out at you and grab you - instead just let it possess you over time, and diffuse over you.

The opener "Sone Contigo" sets the tone with its distinctly latin keyboards, sometimes cascading sometimes rollicking. The lead guitar and vocals both add to the romantic air of this lovely piece. "Despertar" has a similar mood but the mellotron is more prominent and the lead guitar is oh so flamenco. "Alegrias de Cai" has especially nimble percussion in the mix, while the title track actually contains acoustic flamenco guitars. "Extrana Seduccion" alternates an atmospheric melody with more vivacious guitars. The middle section is more improvised, but here as throughout the disk, Cai balances the ragged forays with a gentle structure.

The closest thing to an outright ballad is "La Fabula", and it is also one of the less interesting cuts on the CD. It seems that Cai's strengths are best served by an integration of more energetic sections into the vocal tracks. The longest piece is the closer "la Boca Del Diablo". It is an intriguing instrumental featuring more synthesizers along with the mellotron, and allows the band to stretch out alot more than in its shorter siblings. Parts remind me of Camel gone Spanish, or even Caravan, especially in the peculiar synth sounds, but this is dreamier, more ambient than both.

"Noche Abierto" is Cai's classic, which can be enjoyed by most symphonic, folk, jazz and Latin music fans, although fans of harder edged music may not take to it so well. Highly recommended.

I agree with the other reviewers: "Noche abierta" is a fine album. But I must confess that rather than the "flamenco moment" (in "Soñe contigo" or in "Noche abierta", for example. oh! pretty played, of course, but how I could say, just, just as you can expect it) I found more interesting some registers (sorry, I don't know whether the word is correct or not, but I hope to make myself understood) chosen for the synth: quite original in my opinion; also notheworthy the mosaical recourses to the organ and to the harpsichord. Finally, the voice of Diego Fopiani did not seem to me so persuasive, however at least less persuasive than his drums section. but my rate is (why not?) four star.

WARNING: THE CONSTANT LISTENING OF THIS RECORD CAN CAUSE A SEVERE ADDICTION

This is simply a jewel of Symphonic Prog; my skepticism was beaten by the great musicianship that this Spanish band showed. The mix of the Flamenco-Andalusian style with the classical symphonic elements fit perfectly on the sound that these guys tried to emulate in a very successful way. It was such a surprise for me to find in them such an outstanding album in my own language; which is not precisely the most prolific in this genre. A keyboard oriented album which is performed perfectly by each member.

The increasing structure of each song is awesome, and the vocal style leaves you speechless. But let's get it on with the review of this great experience.

"Soñé Contigo" is some kind of love song that is magnificently sung by Diego Fopiani, the keyboards and the bass are also remarkable. The lyrics are very simple, but deep at the same time, they forget about all the rhetoric and they only concentrate to reach their goal.

"Despertar" has an excellent performance that continues almost the same line of the previous track, but the vocals have here a more relevant role.

"Alegrías de Cai" is an instrumental piece where the band makes a show of their ability on each one of their instruments. I know it may sound too exaggerated but it's almost inevitable the comparison with Banco del Mutuo Soccorso.

"Noche Abierta" is, in my opinion, the strongest moment in the album in which the guitar acquires a more important place in the song with the Flamenco feel.

"Extraña Seducción" ironically posses a unique charm, the song has some excellent progressions especially when the band explores through different time signatures, the complexity is increased as the song goes by.

"La Fábula" starts with some kind of psychedelic sounds. Once again, the unique vocal style stands out from the rest of the band, and the guitar takes off for a pretty decent performance through all the track, the lyrics have a more intricate develop as the name says, it's told in some kind of metaphor as in a fable that contrasts in some way with the rest of the album.

"La Roca Del Diablo" is the second instrumental track and it's the longest one too. The sound is too hard to describe, because it's very changing, but it's also one the most solid passages of the record.

In conclusion, the sensation after playing this album is pretty grateful. All put together form a sensational release, enjoyable since the beginning to the end. This is obviously a masterpiece in all senses. I can't give it less than 5 stars.

With "Más Allá de Nuestras Mentes Diminuta", Cai made quite a big entry in the world of Southern Spain's progressive movement. This work has some of the typical lack of inner cohesion and overall direction that you might usually expect from the majority of debut albums, yet it also ostensibly portrays the talents of all individual members and of the band as a whole. There are some variations in the CD's tracklist depending on the release (before an official edition graces our prog rock stores, which is long overdue). My copy has the following sequence: 'Alameda' - 'Más Allá de Nuestras Mentes Diminuta' - 'Solución a un Viejo Problema' - 'Pasa un Día'. The opener 'Alameda' brings some of the best that Cai had to offer during their first era: after kicking off with a 2.30 Floydian intro, the main motif emerges with a solid combination of Andalusian stuff and hard rock prog, on a robust yet not too frantic tempo. The instrumental coda brings an exciting air of Flamenco-tinged jazz fusion that somehow feels a bit too short after it's concluded. Then comes the title track, more focused on the jazz thing: to a high degree, influenced you their Northern compatriots of Iceberg as well as Weather Report, the Andalusian aura remains a solid ingredient in both the melodic lines and effective arrangements. A special mention has to go to guitarist Paco Delgado's precise delivery - a great closure, indeed, for a great track! This element comes to its fruition in the 3/4 sung coda, which sounds to me like a mixture of "Hijos del Agobio"- era Triana and vintage Genesis. The first half turns out to be the album's best part, since what follows somewhat breaks the cohesive spirit that had been so fluidly and softly delivered. 'Solución a un Viejo Problema' is set on the path of standardized melodic symphonic prog, in the shape of a prog power ballad. The coda that occupies the last 2 minutes is a space-rock meets jazz-rock instrumental travel constructed as some sort of compromise between "Wish You Were Here"-era Pink Floyd and classic Caravan. This ending portion is really exciting, but it does not manage to make the overall song exceptional. The 10+ "Pasa un Día" closes down the album in a most impressive way: it was to become one of the most celebrated staples in the band's gigs. Yes, it's a very good song, showing Cai at their rockiest, once more exorcising their Floydian ghosts. The string synth and organ layers dominate the main colours of the main picture during the sung parts (which may remind the listener of Bloque). The instrumental interlude that starts at minute 3 initially brings back some of the jazzy thing that became the band's real forte (amazing solo by keyboardist Sebastián Domínguez), until an ethereal sub-interlude anticipates the return of the rocky main motif. The 3-minute coda turns into a typical Andalusian flavoured amalgam (in parallel to Mezquita), sustained under an almost tribal drumkit vibe Let me tell you how well the rhythm section works during the transitions: a well oiled device within an amazing machine. 'Pasa Un Día' is certainly delicious, yet it epitomizes both the strong and the low points that the band was carrying on their back by then: great musical imagination, great complementation, not 100 % cohesive, with some things to work out regarding the artistic direction. My personal mark for this album lies somewhere between 3.5 and 4 stars: much more than good, almost excellent. In short "Más Allá de Nuestras Mentes Diminutas" is a testimony of the growing peculiar genius of Cai.