Excellent progressive band from the middle 70's that released three
albums, re-released by Fonomusic. They remind of the mexicans
Iconoclasta, and also other spanish bands like
Triana or
Coto En Pel.
The british influences come from Yes, Jethro Tull and other italian
bands very present in their sound. (?)
Instrumental band from the 70's, very melodic and jazzy, with folk
tones. Occasionally they make symphonic things but as an exception.
More often they sound as a spanish counterpart of Soft Machine with
bits of Camel plus spansih music inserted. Two of their best
recordings: "España Año 75" and "Valle Del Pas"
were re-released in a single CD. They are worth, no doubt about it.
Nevertheless, they require two or more listenings to be appreciated.
(?)
They reminds a lot of Iconoclasta. Strong keys and guitar instrumental
passages. Iconoclasta shows a more powerful guitar sound, but
Granada focuses more in the keyboards, instead.
Granada were an excellent spanish band from the middle and late 70's,
the golden age of spanish prog. When in Italy was going down, in Spain
was growing up to bring fantastic prog to the world. I've got 2 records
of Granada "España Año 75" and "Valle Del Pas".
They are both two excellent examples of spanish prog and highly recommended. The emphasis of Granada relies on the keyboards (with
profusion of moog and mellotron) and guitar, but with more keys that
guitar. They sound like a mix of fusion and symphonic influences. But
there are also classic touches in
"España Año 75", from the string sections to the
oboe or vibes. Granada change easily from the intensity to the relaxation.
Both albums have short songs (4-5 minutos) and other longer ones (7-8
minutes), so no long epic one-side instrumentals. Bands like this and Triana, Iman
or Crack are essential in every symphonic
collection. Check it. Mike Taylor
"España Ano '75" is a nice piece of fusion in the Canterbury
vein. Not much impressive at a first listening, but it improves after few
more. "Valle del Pas" is a more symphonic offer, and some passages
are just orquestales! There's algo some folk spanish music in their sound
(but not flamenco), using tambourines and bagpipes to create a very
original sound. Mike Ohman
Granada's first album essays a large variety of musical styles which just
as often work beautifully as they don't. Pastoral/romantic prog, folky
acoustic parts, fiery guitar-flute sections recalling Focus or Jethro Tull,
mellotron-drenched symphonic prog, fusion pass the revue, but there
are also uninspired moments like the cheesy pop muzak of "Nada es Real". "Hablo de una Tierra" pales in comparison to the two albums that
would follow.
Both "España Año 75" and "Valle del Pas" consist of instrumental,
melodic progressive rock with occasionally surprising moments, which
include the use of orchestration and bagpipes. They play a similar brand
of easy going progressive rock like Crack, Iman or Triana (although
more sophisticated than the latter band). Both albums still lack the spark
to be called classic. Nevertheless, these are arguably some of the
best albums to start exploring the Spanish progressive scene, especially
if you like symphonic progressive rock.
(Sjef Oellers, as reviewed in Gnosis)
It was founded in 1970 (using the name of a fruit, not of a city) and was
lidered by the multinstrumentist Carlos Carcamo, from Santander. Most
of the bands by that time came to Madrid in search of fortune and fame.
This band was called by the producer Gonzalo Garciapelayo to come to
the capital. They recorded three LPs and they toured extensively all
across Spain. In their last record Carlos Garcia-Vaso, then in the group
Azul y Negro, appeared. (Juan Mellado)
Review of the record "Valle del Pas" (in spanish)
Review of the record "Espana Año 75" (in spanish)
Review of the record "Hablo de Una Tierra"
Interview with Carlos García Vaso (in spanish)
The Spanish Progressive Rock Encyclopedia![[sorry]](/img/ar12.jpg)
dlsi.ua.es
and the entry will be updated. Thanks for your collaboration!
