JULIÁN MARTÍNEZ

A composer who adores BACH, CHOPIN on one hand, PINK FLOYD, KING CRIMSON, and GENTLE GIANT on the other, for an original creation that showcases the progressive signature of the great classical composers who have bathed the ears of artists from the 1970s to today; a little regressive moment for those who adore keyboards above all and the classical golden age.

On the PA Forum Julian Martinez asked the reviewers to pay attention to his albums. The very positive words from Tszirmay about Julian Martinez his music inspired me to check out his albums, as a huge fan of more recent Latin- American prog, from Sergio Alvarez, Astralis, Caravela Escarlate, Supay, Flot De Loto and R-U Kaiser to Sagrado, Under Linden, Tarkus, Apocalypse, William Gray, Anima Mundi, Amagrama, Jaime Rosas and my favorite Nexus.

I have started with the (mini) album El Silencio De Las Estrallas, from 2024. The music on the 5 tracks (between 3 and 5 minutes) is built around wonderful work on the piano, from tender to sparkling, often blended with majestic Mellotron violins and mellow saxophone , it sounds very melodic and harmonic. The most dynamic and 70s symphonic rock sounding composition is La Danza Del Tempo featuring a mid-tempo with delicate Hammond runs, soaring Mellotron violins and Minimoog flights, topped with tasteful saxophone play. In the other tracks the music is more laidback, in my opinion Julian Martinez could have used a bit more variety in his musical ideas. Because at some moments the atmospheres featuring the 'piano-Mellotron violins-saxophone formula' sound a bit too similar. But in general this is a pleasant meeting between classical music and 70s symphonic rock, and Julian Martinez did a fine job with playing all the instruments himself.

My rating: 3,5 star.

Opening up with quite the ideal display on "El Palpitar de la Tormenta", the delicate tingling sound comes to awaken romantic sensations of times gone by, modernizing the arrangement with soft dosage of mellotron sheathing, piano rivulets, synthesizer twirls and a modest percussive pulse. The title track wastes little time in rekindling 'starless' images of a famed Red Monarch, the celestial lights emanating in silent reverence, passion and unimpeachable melodic beauty, even hinting at saxophone interventions that will send the message of " fear that tomorrow , we will be crying". The variations surprises by veering off into complex piano fluttering this side of jazz, pummelling drum propellants and , of course, those gloriously majestic mellotron symphonics we all love. The swaying "La Danza del Tiempo" explores more strenuous images, a timeless waltz through various Hammond organ sequences, sax-synth colorations, fascinating electro-tinged harpsichord details, and more orchestral infusion from the big white machine. "Sonando con Angeles" settles back into introspective realms of dreamy orchestrations, the piano still navigating the flume, a gliding foray into a sonic state of mind, somewhere between here and now, laden with impeccable taste and technique. This fusion of past and present is deeply appealing, and I daresay, comforting to those music fans who are looking for adventure without experimental, off the wall, too clever for nothing progressive rock music with loads of tradition. "Recuerdos Lejanos" finalizes the deal, with more of the same reassuring melodic foundation, a music for musicians personal interface that bodes well for the future. "La danza de la Luna" has just been released and I look forward to investigating that as well very soon. As per my preference, a full blown 50-minute + album would be a great idea to consider in this artist's future endeavours.

4 reflective planets

His new album "LA DANZA DE LA LUNA" is a very experimental piece taking inspiration from the fathers of prog. He also takes vast inspiration from famed composers like Bach and Frédéric Chopin. El canto del bosque (3:49) it gives hints of some of Tim Blake's (aka Moonweed) work on the Moog, synth and such. i love the MediEvil-Futuristic vibe this entire album gives off. Caminos de cristal (4:24) starting off with the piano and multiple synth motifs Julian really does carry himself well as a up and comer of the prog scene. La danza de la luna (4:11) The title track presented the same formula used in the other tracks changing up the chords and notes a bit. he mixes produces and records all by himself, such talent reminds me of the talent Steven wilson displays. Refugio de sueños (2:20) honest interlude for the epic finale of masterful keyboard work.

Viejas sombras (3:49) stunning I must say its great, all of the sounds stack up on each other wonderfully bringing the album to a close. 4.5 great job Julian Martinez!