LOS NIÑOS QUE ESCRIBEN EN EL CIELO

The Kids that Write in the Sky...

The sophomore effort of the ever so enjoyable Spinetta's fusion group, Spinetta Jade, is a great, though slightly different, successor to the stunning jazzy debut. Los Niños Que Escriben en el Cielo shows Spinetta moving to a catchier affair, yet not as accessible as Bajo Belgrano would be.

Spinetta's guitar and voice are clear and are augmented by Leo's characteristical synths, Diego's piano and a solid rhythm section with some funk inclinations.

The first four songs are all excellent with catchy rhythms, but if you pay attention they're not any simple rhythms, rather complex ones but done accessible somehow. They're all jazzy some way or another due to the bass or to the keys, but don't expect complex fusion, some how you could compare it to the jazz rock style of Steely Dan in the sense that both are jazzy and accessible, yet they have their moments of musical brilliance.

There are two oddities in this album however. First one is the short instrumental called 'Siguiendo los Pasos del Maestro' which translates to 'Following the Master's Footsteps', although I haven't read anything about it, it sounds to me as a tribute to John McLaughlin, just listen to it, those are the same guitar lines that John is famous of. Not bad, but nothing brilliant. The second oddity would be 'No Te Busques Ya en el Umbral' which Spinetta plays acoustic guitar for the first time in his Jade career, it's a soft emotional tune dedicated to John Lennon.

The rest of the album is similar to the first four songs, pleasant with good synths and interesting rhythms. Highlights of this second would be 'Contra Todos los Males de este Mundo' with its addictive riff and powerful vocals, and 'Un Viento Celeste' that features a splendid two minute electric piano solo.

Though mainly simplistic in terms of instrumental complexity, you really can't get bored of this easily. Luis Albert Spinetta managed to compose rather accessible yet entertaining and original pieces of fusion-inspired music that are definitely overlooked gems from the despised decade, the 80s.

4 stars: excellent compositions with a touch of originality. If you're into the more friendly side of fusion, this is a must-have, otherwise you might consider this rather poppy jazz, true or not that, this album is superb at what it offers. Highly recommended Argentine album after you've got Alma de Diamante first.

Los niños que escriben en el cielo is Spinetta Jade sophomore effort and while it's more mainstream oriented it still features the same characteristics that made the previous álbum Alma de Diamante a really strong release: Odd time signatures , great bass lines and ethereal keyboards , this time with a more rock approach in some of the songs and a stronger 80's sound if you know what I mean , but in this record it's still tolerable.

Out of the records 10 tracks , the standouts are some Spinetta's classics like "La Herida de Paris" or "Un viento celeste" still being performed today in live concerts. There are some other particular songs that are really remarkable like "Nunca me oiste en tiempo" or "Influjo estelar". However , the record is less consistent than the previous album having some weak songs in the middle.

In the end , this record is still a good blend of jazz fusion and poppier songs like "Contra todos los males de este mundo" or "Moviola". The quality of the musicians involved is still top notch and the repertoire is more varied than Alma de Diamante but a somewhat weaker.

3.6 stars for me rounded up to 4. A very enjoyable record for the ones looking for accessible jazz fusion stuff.

This 1982 release from SPINETTA JADE certainly has it's moments but for my tastes this comes off sounding a little too commercial. I feel like i've reviewed several albums of late that would fit the 3.5 star rating perfectly including this one.

"Moviola" is a catchy vocal track with some energy. Synths come and go including a minute in, after 2 1/2 minutes and then at 3 minutes to end it. "La Herida De Paris" has a good intro then it settles with reserved vocals and some tasty bass that growls. "El Hombre Dirigente" is uptempo with vocals coming in before a minute. Good song. "Sexo" must mean sexy right ? Anyway it's laid back with wanting (haha) vocals. Yikes ! "Siguiendo Los Pasos Del Maestro" is my favourite. Love the growly bass and it's a somewhat intense instrumental.

"Contra Todos Los Males De Este Mundo" is uptempo with guitar and more. Vocals are prominant too in this catchy tune. "Un Viento Celeste" is synth led to start then reserved vocals take over in this mellow sounding tune. Not a fan. "Note Busques Ya En El Umbral" has relaxed vocals with acoustic guitar and more. It's okay. "Influjo Estelar" is an instrumental with lots of drums and synths. "Nunca Me Oiste En Tiempo" ends the album with a catchy beat, vocals and more.

I like this record but it's a little too soft and catchy for my tastes. Check out their debut though.