MADE IN SPAIN

Spanish Rock Andaluz legend Mezquita released two albums: the highly acclaimed Recuerdos Di Mi Tierrra (1979), and Califas De Rock in 1981, then Mezquita disbanded in 1986. But in 2008 the former Mezquita band members decided to reunite, like many other classic Rock Andaluz bands (from Cai to Quadalquivir), only without Rafael Zorrila 'Peluca' who died in 2002. This reunion line-up featured José Rafa Ros (guitar and vocals), Randy López Rojas (bass and vocals), Paco López 'Roscka' (keyboards) and Eduardo Viñolo (drums). The band was eager to perform their beloved Rock Andaluz on stage, this culminated in a live CD entitled 30º Aniversario En Directo, recorded in Cadiz (2009) and in their hometown Cordoba (2010). This CD is a new version of the live CD 30º Aniversario En Directo and is now entitled Made In Spain, the cover and title are obvious hints to Deep Purple. It includes the 5 tracks from the first album and the 5 tracks from the second album that are on that live CD, and 5 previously unreleased bonus tracks (studio and rehearsal room). Due to limited space on the CD the track Friends In Heaven is missing from the double vinyl LP version of Made In Spain.

After a first listening session I am delighted about the inspired and powerful live performance by Mezquita. Especially the passionate vocals of bass player Randy Lopez (with that distinctive wailing undertone of the flamenco) and the sultry sounding (Morish atmosphere) fat synthesizer flights are exciting features of the Mezquita sound. But I also conclude that the tracks from the highly acclaimed first album are more captivating, more in the vein of Morish influenced bands like Iman and Azahar. While the tracks from the second album sound more like Medina Azahara, solid and tasteful melodic rock, no more or less. My highlights.

Ara Buza : A sultry synthesizer sound featuring powerful rock guitar, excellent vocals and the Morish sounding Ara Buza vocals, this adds a very special flavour.

Desde Que Somos Dos : What an awesome interplay, 'jazzrock meets flamenco' climate, and again passionate vocals.

El Bizco De Los Patios : Again a sultry synthesizer sound, with powerful guitar and vocals, tight drums, excellent interplay guitar and synthesizer, topped with vocal harmonies, wow!

The epic composition El Suicidio is my absolute highlight. First a powerful sound featuring a swirling organ solo with rock guitar riffs, another wow. Then again that sultry synthesizer sound, in a mid-tempo, embellished with a fiery guitar solo. Halfway short Deep Purple-like (Child In Time) Heavy Prog eruptions, followed by a mindblowing vocal variation on Pink Floyd's Great Gig In The Sky, in the flamenco tradition, goose bumps. In the second part a spacey synthesizer solo with a strong Arabian undertone and sensational use of pitchbend button, the melancholical climate matches with the dark subject. Finally a moving guitar solo, blended with those Deep Purple-like Heavy Prog eruptions, this is top notch Rock Andaluz!

Another very strong track is the titletrack Recuerdos De Mi Tierra. It starts with the sound of a Minimoog and church bells, then a mid-tempo with powerful guitar. Next lots of short shifting moods, embellished with awesome interplay, a fiery guitar solo, a slow and fat synthesizer sound, and topped with passionate vocals.

About the previously unreleased bonus tracks, taken from the studio and rehearsal room.

La Calle Que No Recorrí. Melodic rock with a tight up-tempo beat featuring powerful Spanish vocals, organ and a heavy guitar solo, the sound is in the vein of Medina Azahara.

The other four tracks deliver the legendary Rock Andaluz sound by Mezquita. Puertas Abiertas and Esclavo De Su Haren contain that distinctive Mezquita Morish flavour (also due to the sound of the djembe), with orchestral keyboard layers (evoking Kashmir by Led Zeppelin), excellent interplay and powerful Spanish vocals with strong flamenco undertones. The guitar work is varied, from sensitive to heavy. Noche Sin Luna features Rock Andaluz in a slow rhythm and tasteful guitar play. The final track Eso Es Vivir is the most Morish inspired song with a swinging rhythm, compelling vocal harmonies (intense and passionate) and amazing interplay, what a great example of Rock Andaluz!

Highly recommended!

Other interesting current Spanish prog and Rock Andaluz bands: Qamar, Sherish, Randy Lopez, Arabiga, Taifa, Anairt, the awesome Periplo project by Juan Antonio Vergara (the mastermind behind the Spanish prog/Rock Andaluz label 5Lunas), The Flying Caravan, Enric Pascual, and the amazing Derby Motoreta's Burrito Kachimba!

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