TRÁNSITOS

Released in 2004,'Transitos' is the first 'proper' cd by Spanish five piece Senogul.The album consists of five purely instrumental pieces which exhibit a well integrated band style allied to a high level of musicianship. First track 'Dr Gull/Racionalidad' sets the tone for the album with its nicely paced piano introduction, overlaid by soaring guitar very much in the Steve Hackett mould.The guitar then takes on the main tune, before the piano once more sets the pace for a faster second section, backed by a military beat from the percussion.This is all accompanied by some good jazz-like guitar. 'Tango Mango' is again introduced by the piano,( this album contains much good piano playing!!),the Hackett-like guitar soars and the bass is very much to the fore, lending a distinctly jazz feel.Dual guitars take over, one soars whilst the other provides an arpeggio backdrop.The pace increases, with good guitar and keyboard interchanges and eventually the Tango emerges from almost Accordion-like keyboards giving a more folk sound.This gives way to a more classical section, with a Harpsichord-like sound very reminiscent of Bachs Goldberg Variations!! 'Microcosmos blues' starts with very dark, brooding (Fripp-like) guitar, supported by good bass and background keyboards.That previous haunting guitar sound returns over picked guitar,before the Frippertronics re-appear with jazzy/bluesy keyboards in the background. 'Travesia de las gaviotas' is the shortest track on the album, a Latin jazz-like piece, very redolent of Santana! The final track,'La mulata electrica' , has a fast, frenetic opening featuring keyboards and percussion before the guitar enters and takes turns with the melody.This is probably the rockiest number on the cd, as well as introducing elements of both Celtic and Flamenco music.The pace eventually settles down, the soaring guitar returns and the track plays out with a nice guitar melody overlaying a background organ sound. This is an encouraging debut from Senogul which clearly shows their influences, whilst still creating a sound all of their own which is very egalitarian and doesn't allow one instrument to dominate.I look forward to the next Senogul cd (due at the end of 2006, i believe)!!