Ibio – Cuevas de Altamira (Movieplay – Serie Gong, Spain, 1978)

Ibio is a Spanish progressive folk/rock band formed in the late seventies in the Cantabrian region. Active during the post-dictatorship period, the group has gained cult status among progressive connoisseurs because of the introduction of regional influences in the Cantabrian tradition. This led to a reformation and the recording of a new album in 2006, after 28 years of non-studio releases. 

“Cuevas de Altamira” is a heavy keyboard-driven record, featuring a mellotron - instrument which was scarce in records produced in that period in the peninsula - with a great electric guitar work. This result on the creation of very well executed symphonic prog vibes mixed with some folk rhythms. There are three tracks featuring passionate Spanish vocals, thing that, in my opinion, enriches a lot the album, providing some degree of drama. Most of the tracks time around six-seven minutes. “A lo Alto y a lo Bajo” is certainly the most traditional and festive song while the closing “La Baila de Ibio” is the most experimental and, on the opposite, “Romance del Conde Lara” is the most accessible but not least good cut. 

Highly recommended for keyboard junkies! 

Tracks

A1. Cuevas de Altamira (Mario Gómez Calderón)

A2. Romance del Conde Lara (Mario Gómez Calderón)

A3. La Virulencia del Ferrocarril (Mario Gómez Calderón)

A4. Las Chicas de Laredo (Mario Gómez Calderón)

B1. A lo Alto y a lo Bajo (Dioni Sobrado)

B2. Pastor (Mario Gómez Calderón)

B3. La Baila de Ibio (Mario Gómez Calderón)

*All tracks except the first one based on popular airs  

Personnel

Ito Luna: Drums

Dioni Sobrado: Gibson guitar and acoustic guitar

Lily Alegría: Bass and vocals

Maro Gómez: Electric piano, clavinet, synthesizer, String solina and mellotron  

Get it here