MOTIVOS PARA PERDERSE

José Luis Fernández Ledesma is a Mexican keyboardist and composer, also the founder of the 80's Progressive Rock band Nirgal Vallis.After the demise of the group Ledesma focused on composing his personal ideas in a solo project.For his first album he collaborated with female singer Alquimia and four more musicians on bass, guitars and saxes, while he handled all keyboard, percussion and ethnic instruments.The material was written in 94'-95', eventually released on Musea Records in 1996 as ''Motivos Para Perderse'', around the time the French label published the 80's works of Nirgal Vallis.

Having a strong Folk background already from his time with Nirgal Vallis, Ledesma proposed in his first work a somewhat cinematic mix of Ethnic Music, light Progressive Rock and Fusion, very intricate though at moments a bit too soft yet always attractive.In ''Motivos Para Perderse'' the listener will face the two different faces of Ledesma.The first is deeply rooted in Mexican Folk and interpretated in the album through mellow acoustic textures blended with traditional folky tunes (offered by the performance on sax, ocarinas and mandolin) and lush keyboard sounds in the background.Very atmospheric and highly esoteric musicianship.The second one comes straight from his days with Nirgal Vallis.Intricate Progressive Rock, very much driven by the work of Ledesma on synthesizers, and containing plenty of shifting climates with light solos and interplays, reminding a bit of PABLO EL ENTERRADOR.Guitars are used sporadically and the arrangements are strongly based on piano passages, fiery synth solos and lush orchestrations.

The whole listening brings to mind the diverse works of HOSTSONATEN.A great mix of challenging Progressive/Symphonic Rock with Ambient Folk textures surrounding the most demanding material.Beautiful stuff and highly recommended.