Flashback (2011)
Flashback is a work of six compositions, all with a common denominator: a look into the past. It took me two and a half years to finish it just as I wanted it. It is a “greatest hits” CD of never-recorded (and sometimes never-composed) music. During this process, I have rediscovered several worlds which I had previously abandoned, I have been able to discover new ones and it has been an excellent opportunity to meet old and new friends. This CD was recorded in several studios, but two have special significance. The first is Tarkus. This studio is owned by Juan Ricardo Weiler, one of Chile’s progressive heroes and a dear friend who is always willing to help his fellow musicians. It was here that we recorded the drums, some guitar and bass. The second studio is Opus 125. This studio is my own and sacred work place. Opus 125 is where I composed and arranged Flashback. Here I recorded the keyboards, some guitars, and did all the mixing. The artwork was done by Andrés Oreña, a very talented designer and musician, who is an example of determination and willingness.
Flashback, the last composition, is the closest thing to Integral Music, combining different styles and orchestrations to serve music and expression. This piece is a tribute to all the music heroes who have shaped me, you can hear subtle and no so subtle tributes to Genesis, Igor Stravinsky, Jean Michel Jarré, Jon Lord, Keith Emerson, Los Jaivas, Ludwig van Beethoven, Pink Floyd, Rick Wakeman, Roberto Escobar, The Beatles and Vangelis. Among them, Roberto Escobar stands out; he was my composition master and helped me to listen to my inner voice. There are musical references to Ignacio Ruiz and Rodrigo Bari as well, to friends who invited me to join rock bands in the precise moment of my life.
This record, the ninth of my career, is a look into the past, trying to connect the dots, and in doing so, finding a way to connect with my future.
The CD begins with Primera Luz (First Light) the classic 20-minute progressive composition. It was first composed in 1988 with my friend Rodrigo Musalem; we performed live several times, and a demo version was even recorded. However, in 1991, I decided to rearrange it in a trio format, removing some parts and adding others, and a new score was created (which I wrote bar by bar). This definitive version is an exact performance of that 1991 score. Coke Cruz is the virtuoso on drums; I’ve known him for decades, but we have never had the chance to play together until now. Jaime Scalpello, one of the best art rock singers of South America, is in charge of the vocals. Finally, there is Rodrigo Godoy, the almost legendary bassist, guitarist, singer, producer and sound engineer, excelling on bass guitar.
The record continues with El Principio del Ritmo (The Rhythm Principle), is a very calm composition with a circular structure that follows jazz standards. It is based on one of the Hermetic principles that says everything flows out and in, everything has its tides, all things rise and fall, and all things move in a pendulum swing. There is nobody better to perform this standard than guitarist Nico Figueroa. Nico is a great observer of life. The bassist is Ricardo Henríquez, a true motor who helps tirelessly to the diffusion, support and enjoyment of music and arts in this side of the world.
Buenos Momentos (Good Times) is a rock n’ roll composition embodying the strength of having a good time and really enjoying life. It is based on all of my gigs from high school till now. Juan Barrenechea, my manager and head of Mylodon Records, was responsible for many of those gigs. Juan not only runs his label, he organizes festivals, produces magazines, generates networking and promotes musicians through America, Japan and Europe. Remarkable! I have been lucky enough to perform in several countries, in a variety of venues from very small to large to gigantic. Every concert has been a unique experience. Those good times have led to knowing, sharing, growing and sometimes, crying and laughing from happiness. This track recreates what I feel when I play live, on tour. On drums is Alejandro de la Cuadra, Entrance’s first drummer. He adds the strength the music sometimes needs. Javier Sepúlveda, the virtuous guitarist of many of my records, stands out and helps to remind me of those gigs full of fraternity and rock n’ roll. Ricardo Henríquez, on bass guitar, proves to be a very versatile musician who handles this track with a full rock oriented attitude.
Lejos (Far Away), written in 1993, is a very melancholy song about how one feels when alone, and even though a clear horizon is hidden somewhere, everything seems so far away. Rodrigo Godoy takes a leading role in this song, singing and playing guitar and bass.
Memoria (Memoirs) is a tune composed for Ignacio Ruiz, a talented and very smart guitarist. He was the one who invited me to join what would be my very first band, back in high school, Iron Will. Iron Will was a band that not only played our own music, but also covered the music of Genesis, Rush, Deep Purple and Journey. Being a “rock star” helps a lot during adolescence :) On drums is my brother Pato Martin, a unique person who mixes wisdom, a profound sense of humor, and brutal strength.
Flashback, the last composition, is the closest thing to Integral Music, combining different styles and orchestrations to serve music and expression. This piece is a tribute to all the music heroes who have shaped me, you can hear subtle and no so subtle tributes to Genesis, Igor Stravinsky, Jean Michel Jarré, Jon Lord, Keith Emerson, Los Jaivas, Ludwig van Beethoven, Pink Floyd, Rick Wakeman, Roberto Escobar, The Beatles and Vangelis. Among them, Roberto Escobar stands out; he was my composition master and helped me to listen to my inner voice. There are musical references to Ignacio Ruiz and Rodrigo Bari as well, to friends who invited me to join rock bands in the precise moment of my life.
This record, the ninth of my career, is a look into the past, trying to connect the dots, and in doing so, finding a way to connect with my future.
Flashback is dedicated to the memory of my beloved friend Carlos Espinoza.
Coke Cruz: Drums
Pato Martin: Drums
Jaime Scalpello: Vocals
Ricardo Henríquez: Bass
Javier Sepúlveda: guitars
Nicolás Figueroa: Guitars
Ignacio Ruiz: guitars & Bass
Alejandro de la Cuadra: Drums
Rodrigo Godoy: Vocals, Guitars & Bass
Jaime Rosas: Synthesizers, Piano, Hammond & Programming
Drums recorded at Tarkus by Juan Ricardo Weiler
Keyboards recorded at Opus 125 studios by Jaime Rosas
Everything else recorded in several studios :)
CD Art: Andrés Oreña
Photography: Soledad Gómez
Masterization Francisco Holzman
Executive producers:
Jaime Rosas & Juan Barrenechea for Mylodon Records
Release Date: March, 2011.
Label: Mylodon Records
Distribution: Mylodon Records / Musea Records
Composed, Mixed & Produced by Jaime Rosas
