The Spanish Progressive Rock Encyclopedia

Jose Rafael Garcia (guitar and vocals), Randy Lopez (bass, percussion and vocals), Rosca Lopez (keyboards and vocals), Rafael Zorrilla (drums, percussion and vocals) + violins (Santiago Crespo, Jose Azpiri and Juan Ferreira) and cello (Manuel López).

Fantastic symphonic progressive from Spain. Layers of synth intertwine with electric and flamenco guitar to create a gorgeous work of intensity and melody. Vocals are in Spanish, which I think has to be one of the nicest singing languages. Native Spanish influences as well as the best ideas from the Italian symphonic progressive bands can be heard throughout the music giving a unique twist to this subgenre. The intensity never lets up. One of the best from Spain, or anywhere for that matter. (?)

Spain's late seventies "progressive rock" scene was flowing in the abundance of new and creative talent and this short lived band was practically at the zenith of this genre's adherants. A heavily folk influenced symphonic rock with an abundance of minor second intervals, Mezquita's music owed much to flamenco and classical stylings and showed a tendency to drift to romantic or haunting melodies. As with many of Mezquita's contemporaries such as Triana, Imán, Ibio and Granada, there is a strong King Crimson influence. Yet the overt cultural folk references remain strong, bringing a distinct original flavor that nearly remains a standard for Spanish progressive rock. Mezquita's music at times sits close to the Italians, with hints of Osanna and Semiramis; at other times the French like Shylock or Artcane. The level of comparisons should bring it into perspective, this is one of the supremely classic examples of European symphonic progressive rock. (?)

Mezquita were playing together since middle 70's in a band named "Expresion". Cosncription ended up with that project and in 1979 they rejoined to give shape to Mezquita after the success of Triana and favoured by the enormous interest of the music labels for the Andalusian Rock. After they splitted, Randy Lopez joined in 1980 Medina Azahara. Califas del Rock (1981) was their second and last album. Andalusian Rock was not a fashion anymore. They were in that vein with a fine rhythm base, complex compositions, powerful rhythm, and flamenco-arabic-jazz fusion. Also important to point out the vocals from Jose Rafa Garcia and Randy Lopez, very adequate to this sub-genre. (Juan Mellado)

Review of the record "Recuerdos de mi Tierra"