Nueve ejemplares... no tan raros (Sintesis, 1979)

This is the 8 minutes opening track of the debut album by Sintesis ("En busca de una nueva flor", that's to say "Searching for a new flower"), one of the most interesting and eclectic bands from Cuba. During their long career these musicians went through a great deal of styles, moods and genres and this song is a perfect example of such a diversified approach. 

This band released many albums during their long career.

There are many acoustic parts, reminding me of Italian progressive rock (especially PFM), and a big choice of vocal harmonies, exploiting both male and female voices. Relaxing keyboards, folk guitars and jazzy piano touches are among this band's highlights, but you'll also find lively passages, some unpredictable changes and even a majestic finale. I think this is a lesser known prog pearl my friends out there will appreciate.

Time to Understand (Anima Mundi, 2010)

No doubt Anima Mundi is the most observant prog band from Cuba and this "Time to Undestrand" will easily prove how much they like progressive masters and how well they re-elaborate their models. You'll find here - and in the rest of "The Way" album - an up-to-date version of prog, full of tension and emotions. Virginia Peraza's keyboards are bombastic and also sensistive, while Carlos Sosa's vocals are somewhere between Steve Walsh and Perter Gabriel and Roberto Diaz plays very well a vast choice of electric and acoustic guitars.

"The Way" was the third Anima Mundi's studio album. 

Sure, around minute 6:00 we come across another Apocalypse in 9/8-ish quotation (Someone should list all of them, someday), but they soon exploit it in an original and pleasant way. And then, here you are a heartbreaking atmospheric section, featuring very good vocals too, finally leading to an excellent dreaming guitar solo. Many changes, many well found sounds, many good melodies... this definitely is one of my favourite prog tracks of the '10s. Try it and let me know your impressions, my prog friends.