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Re: Baja Prog (2008)
OK, the official Bajaprog review.
Day 1, Wednesday, day time show.
1st band, Platurno, from Chile. Very nice instrumental quartet - guitars/bass/keys/drums. Kind of a Djam Karet sound, with some Frippish guitars in spots. Bobrelayer came up with a more accurate comparison, hopefully one of us will remember. 2nd band was Prisma from Switzerland. Good, tight, a bit heavier than I like - reminded me of Tool, with perhaps a bit more progressive feel. After the HOT afternoon show, the three of us (including Bob's son) went to the ARCTIC ZONE - AKA Jim's hotel room with the AC maxed out. Enjoyed a couple of beers before cabbing to the evening show.
Day 1, Wednesday evening show
Cast started off - I reviewed them last year, and all I'll add is how consistently good they are. I really like their drummer, but the drums were too low in the mix to appreciate. Otherwise, they sounded great. Next up - Alonso Arreola. Led by bass player Alonso; also featuring his brother on drums and two guitars. All instrumental, and Alonso is one of the best bass players I've EVER heard. I'm talking in the Billy Sheehan, Victor Wooten, Stanley Clarke league. I kid you not. A jaw dropping performance. I spoke with him yesterday and he's promised to send a CD for the Moon. Last up, Riverside. I've seen them before, and they were as remembered. Tight, professional, kind of hard. Somehow, for me, they lack something - stage presence, dynamics, or something. It was enjoyable, but not powerful or emotional...
Stay tuned for day 2 - perhaps the best day of all...
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