Borne - 1979 - Exprime La Naranja

Borne

1979

Exprime La Naranja

01. Azahara 4:42

02. El Abuelo Romance 3:10

03. La Música De Las Fonts 6:43

04. Very Funky 3:55

05. Exprime La Naranja 3:39

06. La Boda Gitana 3:47

07. Rumbacustica 3:13

08. La Macarena 5:23

09. No Veo Nada (Y No Quiero Ver Más) 3:17

Bass – José Miguel Oca

Drums – Sergio Oca

Guitar – Victor Molero

Piano, Keyboarss – Ricardo Rauet

Vocal – Rafaela de Córdoba

Although Borne hailed from Barcelona, they played Andalusian-styled Jazz Fusion with some IMAN CALIFATO INDENDIENTE similarities, having a gifted guitarist onboard along with an accurate rhythm section and a manic keyboardist (basically performing electric piano and synthesizers).Music has pinches of melody and high archs of technique with atmospheric sequences and mad, fast-paced grooves with some incredible guitar and keyboard soli as well as some sporadic funky vibes.Very good stuff.Their second 82' album ''Unidades didácticas'' was much more into New Wave realms.

This debut album by Spanish prog-fusion outfit Borne ticks all the boxes: furious bass and drum riffing, wailing Moog solos and snarling, Mahavishnu-like electric guitar, touching along the way on latin vamps, languid funk and even some four-to-the-floor heavy swing. But the boys from Barcelona still managed to inject their own flavours: guitarist Victor Molero throws out plenty of Iberian flourishes and, on ‘Rumbacústica’, switches to acoustic for a genuine flamenco feel; and keyboardist Ricardo Rauet smothers the proceedings in lush and luxuriant synths evoking a poolside cocktail on a hot, sultry evening.

Interesting that I've been absorbing tons of American jazz funk and fusion, when along comes this old chestnut from Spain. This isn't my first encounter with the album, as I was introduced to it when I first discovered (back in the early 90s) bands such as Iceberg, Ananga Ranga (Portugal), Secta Sonica, Musica Urbana, Companyia Electrica Dharma, and many others. It was too much at once, and many of them didn't make the first cut. Today, I hear this album with a different perspective. One that combines the aforementioned American fusion scene with that of Spanish culture. It's a winning combination, and Borne balances those two aspirations expertly. In particular, guitarist Victor Molero is enjoying the spotlight, and his rougher edged solos are much welcomed in an oftentimes all too sterile genre. It's not unfair to suggest Borne has tapped into the same well as Al Di Meola did on his classic first 3 albums. To American eyes, seeing the cover and a title that looks like something esoteric such as "Experimental Orange", it's a bit disappointing to learn that it simply means "squeeze the orange". OK. In any case, essential listening for all fusion fans who appreciate an edge, along with some indigenous melodies and sounds.