[progdirjim(Admin)]

First band - Ezoo. Easily the least progressive band of the festival, but enjoyable. Lineup - bass, drums, guitar and stick/female vocalist. Ended up watching this band with Warren Dale, keyboardist from French TV. He had the great quote that it used to be that mellotron didn't guarantee a prog act, and now it's stick that doesn't guarantee it. Further, her stick was way too low in the mix so it was hard to hear her synth patches. Could hear the tapping though, and it was clear she was a competent player.

Overall they sounded like Rush at their least progressive, with a strong guitarist who switched nicely between many styles. I felt they'd improve by working out a distinctive personal style. The stick/vocalist did a spoken word vocal thing that was different and cool, added a kind of Ani DiFranco or Jane Siberry vibe to the music. Wished she did more of it. They did a cover of "We Will Rock You" (Queen) leading into "Comfortably Numb", neither of which worked for me.

Next band was Mar de Robles from Chile. They billed themselves as an ethno-prog band, but the ethnic part was small. Really good band though. First song featured the guitarist (who was excellent) tapping, bass, drums and flute - it was my favorite piece, very beautiful and melodic. Next songs had a slightly harder edge, and still good. Flautist also played sax, and the bass player stick. A King Crimson feel came up in parts (mostly due to the stick and tapping guitar interplay). All instrumental. More later...