As I stated in my recent Youtube Prog Rogue video, this prolific composer and keyboardist from Argentina is a gift that just keeps offering without a delay. Julian is a not only a great musician, but I suspect that his marketing strategy of releasing a stream of short 19-to-25-minute albums is colourfully influenced by the way the Argentines play football (soccer for some): endless short passes, incredibly efficient and focused on victory. Needless to remind names like Di Stefano, Kempes, Maradona and Messi that have prioritized wonderful technique and artistic flair. Well, Martinez can be proud of his legacy, in musical form! “Ecos del Horizonte” also follows the tradition of stunning black and white cover art that uses subtlety to reflect the retro neo-classical prog that he seemingly adores.
Five tracks, launching the kick off with the swooning mellotron dancing a sensual tango with piano, teaming up with a harpsichord and a sax tonality that really hits the mark. This style is an original take on the sound of a famous Netherlands band in the 70s called Ekseption, the difference being that Julian writes original material while the Dutchmen covered definitive and well-known pieces from the classical pantheon. “Descendientes del Sol” is an eloquent track that declares the overall tone quite thoroughly, muchas gracias.
The title track has a softer complexion, desperately romantic in its delicacy, the same three keyboards executing the seduction, as if love’s euphoria was offered a recital, the synthesizers and woodwind patches whipping up wonders as the tempo increases in passion. The effect is tingling on the ears, like silk on the skin. Harp and piano take the final bow, hand in hand, fingers interlaced.
Now here comes a rather big surprise, the epic 9 minute and 20 second “Rapsodia Nocturna”, a full-blown nighttime reverie, the intersecting bassline waltzing the night away with effortless ease. The keyboard performance is sophisticated, though somewhat shadowy sonically, as if bathing behind a veil of tired melancholia. The pace slows down for a slick synthesizer splurge that shows remarkable restraint, each note painstakingly sketching the main melody, the one to remember and yes, it is sumptuous, especially as it gains in power and volume, as if nearing some imaginary crescendo. A robust piano etude parades along boldly, the flow intoxicating. Easily among his finest compositions, maybe even his best ever.
Two shorter gems to finish off the spotlight’s glare, “La Metamorfosis de la Estrella” possesses a definite classical overtone, the piano used as a percussive propellant, while the exuberant synths provide the flattering ornamentals. “Fantasia para piano N9” is , as the title predicts, a piano solo that puts the spotlight on Julian’s absurdly skilled technique. Over the decades, this instrument went from my least favourite keyboard (as a child, the Moogs and Mellotrons seduced me to no end) to perhaps the top of the podium. Ah yes, maturity …. Campeon, Julian!
Each release keeps elevating the bar, like a truly dedicated progressive artist, shooting for the stars. Just keep the foot on the ball, caballero!
4.5 Andean quakes