Spain's Fusioon released their second self-titled album in 1974, a quirky brew of symphonic prog much like what ELP, Gentle Giant , Camel, and Yes were doing at the time, but mixed with some jazz-fusion elements that give the music an edge that will remind the listener a little of Focus, National Health, or Return to Forever. At barely over 30 minutes, Fusioon just gets you reeled in before it is over, but it's a classy ride nontheless of great Spanish prog.
The opening cut, "Farsa Del Buen Vivir" is a symphonic vocal piece with upbeat Spanish vocals and jangly guitar & keyboard work, that hints at other classic Spanish bands like Gotic or Crack, perhaps even some of the Italian greats like PFM and Banco. On the instrumental "Contraste", the band pulls out all the massive prog tendencies, like Hammond organ, synths, piano, and muscular bass lines, for a furious workout that will certainly please fans of ELP, Banco, and Il Balletto di Bronzo. The four part "Tritons" is an extended, somewhat jazzier affair, led by Manel Camp's glorious Hammond organ work. This tune goes through many different moods, all majestic and melodic with a medieval flair, which will bring to mind Gentle Giant, Gryphon, and Focus.
"Dialogos" is another vocal piece, complemented nicely with synths, Hammond, and intricate guitar work from Marti Brunet. The album's highlight though is the closing near 10-minute epic "Concerto Grosso", another keyboard workout for Camp, who throws every instrument in his arsenal at you for a huge, symphonic wall of sound.
For a great starter course on 70's Spanish prog, you can't go wrong with any of the three albums from Fusioon. This one's as good a place to start as any, as well as their classic third and final release Minorisa.
Track Listing
1) Farsa del Buen Vivir (3:08)
2) Contraste (6:32)
3) Tritons (8:15)
1st Parte
Estampas
Variaciones Sobre un Tema de Tchaikowsky
4) Dialogos (9:52)
5) Concerto Grosso
Tema y Variacones
Aria
Rondo
Final
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