Someday (Laghonia, 1971)

Here you are a proto-prog Peruvian band from the very early Seventies, a politically and musically difficult time for their Country.This "Someday" beautifully opens their second and last studio work, titled "Etcetera". A Hammond intro is followed by a lively rythm guitar and a catchy melody. Some well found changes and a series of instrumental bridges enrich this song's texture, so that a three minutes track actually features a whole changing world, ranging from the hippy generation to the search for new artistic dimensions.

Colourful I said... and colourful they actually were...

A colourful palette Laghonia know how to exploit and generously sprnkle all over their canvas. It's wonderful to see how widely the new musical deal circulated between the late Sixties and the early Seventies and how many different forms it took following the cultural scenes and the local traditions. Such a pity this band released both their albums in 1971 then called it a day...

El Hijo del Sol (El Polen, 1973)

When it comes to acoustic folk-rock with proggy elements, it is difficult to find a better band than El Polen. These Peruvian musicians had a suprisingly large choice of arrangements and a wide range of instruments, mostly coming from their National tradition, but also from other, unexpected cultures. In spite of their strong Andean roots and of their acoustic set, El Polen also are a proper rock band, and exploit in a very clever way some of the main features of prog: tempo changes, instrument interplays and enthralling solos.

"Fuera de la ciudad" was the second album by El Polen.

Sure, all these solutions also exist in traditional music throughout the planet, but their combination in a single everchanging (and rather long) song is a Seventies innovation. So, "El Hijo del Sol" is a kind of suite, lining up different themes and different traditions, especially the South-American and the Far-Eastern ones. Not a common mix, believe me.

El viaje (Supay, 2007)

An andean prog folk rock track from Peru. Supay mix the local  colours, some r'n'r instruments and a modern rythmic section very well and they also try to gradually change the mood of this instrumental, adding here and there a good tasted keyboards touch and even a slightly west coast electric guitar. I think they deserve more attention, especially in their proggest moments.

"El viaje" was the second studio work by Supay.

They really offer something new, these musicians, and this is not common today. Unfortunately, I daresay. Listen to this song and when the final aggressive guitar bursts out, please don't forget the andean pipes: they're two different faces of the same band... and I'm sure you'll appreciate this "viaje"... oh yes, that means "trip", as you surely know.

Oda al Tulipán (Frágil, 1981)

Here you are a band from Peru knowing how to mix symphonic and pop arrangements. Take as a tester this track of their debut album "Avenida Larco". It's a diversified, flushing, still well organised track, where all instruments find their place, with the beautiful addiction of horns. The lyrics in Spanish are among the weirdest ones in the usually weird domain of prog lyrics, so I'll leave their interpretation to my smartest prog friends. For sure,the title means "Ode to The Tulip", and that's saying something.

After "Avenida Larco", the band released three more studio albums.

Anyway, the music is the strongest point here. A very good theme, a series of well played solos, an effective keyboard background, a naive, joyful mood everywhere. Those qualities made of Frágil a popular band in their own Country and recommend more attention to their music worldwide.

Madre Tierra (Flor de Loto, 2007)

Flor de Loto are a foursome band from Peru and they represent a brilliant fusion of folk roots with prog rock essence. The abundance of flutes (basically replacing the keyboards) build up an Andean atmosphere reminiscent of ancient civilisations, but then the guitars and the drumming (and even a short '70s choral section) add now and then a modern prog rock mood. I also like the tempo changes, all so pleasant and surprising in this "Madre Tierra" ("Mother Earth" in English), the title track of Flor de Loto's second studio album.

...And I also like all their cover paintings!

Two more special mentions: the first one is for the acoustic guitar, linking the sweetest sections of the song to the big picture; the second one goes to the enthralling finale of the track, sharp and up tempo like in the best prog rock families! Believe me, this band is worth your attention. A gift for my prog and open minded friends.