Caldera, Sky Islands
“Sky Islands” by Latin American’s super group Caldera still sits neatly at the top of the shelf as being one of southern hemisphere’s most beloved Jazz Fusion groups recorded in modern era. First, and foremost, we must take in consideration that Caldera humbly held their position as formidable musicians in the mist of notable Jazz Fusion groups like “Return To Forever, Weather Report,” and others.
Back in 1977, Caldera offered “Sky Islands” their second album on Capital Records. The music on "Islands" was embedded in the spirit vibrant mood changes with the group leaders Eduardo del Barrio and Jorge Strunz at the helm, they also called upon premiere keyboardist Larry Dunn of Earth, Wind & Fire to co-produced this incredible album. On “Islands,” Caldera features group members: Steve Tavaglione, Mike Azevedo, Carlos Vega, Dean Cortez, Hector Andrade, with guest artists Larry Dunn, Dianne Reeves, Chester Thompson, Ralph Humphrey, Ralph Rickert and others.
On the opening, and title track “Sky Islands” you’ll hear chanting vocals roar with and anointed reference, while entrenched in atmospheric EWF rhythmic guitar licks, and to hear Steve Tavalione’s riveting sax solo beckons even today’s soloists to encompass this passion of music as a model to adhere to in the future. Without question, it helps as Jorge Strunz burns on the electric guitar strokes. These guys, with purpose came to play with the zeal, ambition, substance, and the passion to be heard!
For the first time, the group works with a vocalist, and what a surprise Dianne Reeves. The songstress lends her beautiful and sultry voice to the haunting “Ancient Source” a song that’s evokes a journey through the passage of Amazon. The keyboard work by Eduardo del Barrio and Larry Dunn are superb as they accent this masterpiece with intriguing nuances and eloquent textures flows gently into the interlude of “It Used To Be.”
Catchy, and rhythmic interplay allow these innovative musicians here to stretch their imaginations by expanding their voices on "Pescador, Pegasus," and the Andean-influenced "Carnavalito.” This is what I call great music folks, artists having the opportunity to explore beyond the box by employing the creative thinking and driven by our thirst to quench our innovative spirit.
After dwelling in the atmosphere of these nine soul-stirring, compelling, original, engaging, and adventurous songs by Caldera I’m thrilled more then ever to clinch onto “Sky Islands” with hope that one day this group would be generous enough to return with another great body of music.
J. Desmond
The Urban Music Scene
don't forget that Dean Cortez ended up in the jazz group Hiroshima
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