Itoiz - Alkolea (Reissue, Japan SHM-CD) (1982/2009)

Founded in Mutriku/Ondarroa, Basque Country, Spain in 1976 - Disbanded in 1988

Another symphonic gem from the Basque region. ITOIZ was formed by Joseba Erkiaga (flute), A. Azkarraga (bass), Estanis Osinalde (drums), J.C. Perez (guitars), and Jose A. Fernandez (Fender Rhodes piano, Grand piano, Hammond organ, Kong Polyphonic ensemble, ARP synthesizer). Their style is a mixture Basque folk, prog-rock and a little jazz. Still, there are (not surprisingly) absolutely no traces of flamenco influences. The music here is quite beautiful (very Italian, in fact) and emphasizes melodic interplay between interactions of wind instruments with keyboards, and guitars. Most of the tracks have male vocals, while the best tracks have some very beautiful female vocals. But they sing in the Basque language. Their early albums are now considered classics. Although they have many albums only "Itoiz" stands out as a real folk-progressive masterpiece. Their pompous arrangements remind GENESIS and CAMEL although ITOIZ also draw from their own folklore.

The eponymous debut-album (1978) from Itoiz is a wonderful blend of folk and symphonic rock, very original with only some hints to CAMEL and early GENESIS. It contains 8 melodic and tasteful crafted compositions. The music ranges from mellow with flute and acoustic guitar to more up-tempo featuring keyboards and fiery electric guitar. The vocals in the Basque language sound very warm. Highlight is the long track "Goizeko Deihadar", running time at about 10 minutes. It opens with tender Fender Rhodes electric piano play, strings and pleasant vocals, to continue with a mid-tempo rhythm, Hammond organ waves, fiery electric guitar runs and some short solos on the ARP synthesizer. In the second part the electric guitar howls like Steve HOWE at his best! The song ends with fluteplay in a mellow atmosphere, very enjoyable music.

Their second LP is in the same vein and as good as the first. Synths were omitted and sax and violin added. "Alkolea" is good too. From their fourth album on ITOIZ were largely a pop band, creating straight catchy melodies. With these later albums they became one of the most successful Basque groups in the eighties. Highly recommended if you are not exclusively into "difficult prog".