JOSÉ LUIS FERNÁNDEZ LEDESMA & MARGARITA BOTELLO: LA PACIENCIA DE JOB

First of, I would like to say that I'm fascinated with this incredible artist from Mexico, known also as JLFLQ, that, as expected, I found in PA, thanks to all recommenders! Trying to describe his music generally, it seems that his vision leads to a bland of folk influences, in this case Spanish/Mexican ones, with progressive or art rock attitude. In addition, some avant ideas are added to this tasteful dish.

The main goal in this particular album is to create an atmospheric music, which contains soundscapes and environments, and the result is a journey that the listener supposed to pass through the 70 minuets listening. This impression becomes stronger according to the beautiful pictures that ornament the CD booklet. I guess some of the tracks are illustrations for these pictures.

The spaces, which the listener could find himself in, according to each one imagination, are Mexican hills, beautiful gardens, sky and stars, and subconscious spaces. These associations are activated by the sound and sonorities events.

However, much attention and care are given at the compositions level. These are not just clusters of sounds or vague soundscapes, but do have spine and flesh, whether in the structure, which seem a little bit more tight and coherent than the customary creations of this kind, or the prominent and beautiful melodies, that are always there. Also not neglected is an evident rhythmic approach: beside some 'spacey' compositions, there are also more rhythmic compositions, with intriguing, odd time signatures, and interesting meters that implemented by drums and percussion.

From the development point of view, things are going slow, but that doesn't mean that the development is absent. There are constant changes that occur all the way, mainly in colors and sonic pallet. Instruments and effects are going in and out and there is always something to come, whether a solo played by an unexpected instrument, a background change, or a specific sound that contributes to the overall atmosphere.

The instrument list here is interesting and holds some exotic ones: Folk pipes and reeds, such as ocarina and melodica, some classical instruments such as bassoon and violin, and exotic folk percussion, besides electronic devices and sound, not forgetting 'conventional' instruments such as guitars and keyboard here and there. The whole 'orchestra' is blend together in an organic and beautiful way. In addition, the vocals playing important role here. The dark and beautiful vocals from vocalist Margarita Botello, who sings tunes with, or without words, is something very memorable.

The two more 'song oriented' tracks that comes in the middle of the album are tracks 4 and 6. Track 4, 'Words like stars', ('Palabro como astros'), is a spiritual poem by Vicente Huidobro, sung by Botello accompanied by d-tuned piano, interplay with a Spanish lute. A high register background, done by ocarina, flute, and electronic devices complete this image. Wonderful. Track 6, 'Rulers of the world' ('Los jueces del mundo') is an anti-war song, written by JLFLQ and Botello, participating voices of kids playing, turning to be a military, war voices, plodding drums, and beautiful sax and violin solos. Margarita Botello singing is spectacular, going from childish singing, to shivering lament vocals.

To sum it up, in addition to its musical qualities, this album is a kind of treatment. Needles to say I intend to check out some more JLFLQ albums. In spite of the RIO/avant classification, I believe that this one could appeal to many other listeners, as it seems to touch also in space and atmospheric music in general, Canterbury elements, and perhaps even some post rock attitudes. All is done in a unique style and feeling, evolving folk Spanish/Mexican influences.