RAIMUNDO RODULFO the dreams concerto
		Format CD Country Venezuela Recorded 2000-2002 Issued 2002 Label Private Cat no. - Playing time 78:23 Reviewer Sven Eriksen

Concerto for guitar, group and chamber orchestra is the subtitle to this ambitious project from Venezuela, a rather unusual country in a prog aspect. Similarities with other South Amercan bands like Sagrado can be traced, but the music also contains many elements of classical music from the time around Vivaldi.

It alternates between rock parts, orchestra parts, and both in unision, and Rodulfo plays both electric and acoustic guitar with high technical skill. The opening is promising with the 24 minute long "Sueños", a symphonic cascade with exquisit interplay between Rodulfo's guitars, the band, orchestra and vocalists. It continues with great folk-prog parts lending an ear to both Tull and Focus. But after that, it turns into a long-winding guitar solo, and from here on the record just doesn't manage to keep the positive elements from the first half hour (i.e. the first movement of the concert). Movement no 2 becomes mainly tiresome guitar wanking, while the third movement is split in two parts. The first part is a co-operation between classical guitar and chamber orchestra, which unfortunately is not able to grab me. Even if the final part sees the group back in the fold, we only now and then see glimpses of the fine tendencies of the beginning of the record.

If you think that half an hour of exciting music is acceptable in a record lasting almost 80 minutes, then you're welcome.

© 2003 Tarkus Magazine

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