ARCHIVOS MIA (1974 - 1985)

The Argentinian ensemble MIA (an abbreviation of Musicos Independientes Asociados ? not to be confused with "Missing in Action") was a project based around composer and keyboardist Lito Vitale, which had its main activity between 1974 and 1980. Friends and acquaintances came and went in the different versions of this ongoing project until it fell apart in 1980, although new material was made under that moniker for a few more years. "Archivos MIA: 1974 ? '85" chronicles the musical history and heritage of this project on two discs, containing quite a lot of material I surmise is previously unreleased.

"Archivos MIA" comes across as a production seeking to satisfy two different audiences. Those unfamiliar with this ensemble will receive a good overview of the scope of their repertoire on the first of these CDs, while existing fans most likely will find the second one most intriguing due to the unreleased material and the bonus video footage that makes up this CD. And while the musical contents as such do leave a bit to be desired in order for this production to warrant a general recommendation, there are quite a few reasons for existing fans to take note of this production, if they haven't already done so that is.