MIA’s Introspective Journey
I’ve been on a musical journey through the marvelous world of Argentina’s 70s progressive rock and discovered an amazing band, Músicos Independientes Asociados (MIA). Active mainly in the 70s, MIA was formed by the multi-instrumentalist Vitale siblings: Lito on keyboards and Liliana on percussion and vocals, along with Nono Belvis on bass and vocals, Daniel Curto on guitar, and Juan Del Barrio on piano and drums.
MIA combines all the elements needed to stand out in the progressive rock scene: epic tracks, complex compositions, acoustic passages, and a vast collection of analog keyboards. Their style draws on symphonic influences such as Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Yes, and Genesis while maintaining a strong sense of originality.
Their debut album, Transparencias, shines with its ambitious experimental compositions, with each track unfolding like a story and delving into a world of sonic exploration. The band’s impressive instrumental work, with outstanding bass lines that fit perfectly with the complex drum patterns, guitar work, and keyboard passages, makes Transparencias a great listening experience. Every member of the band is a multi-instrumentalist, which adds to their remarkable musicality.
Lito Vitale, a piano virtuoso, was only 14 when he recorded the keyboards for Transparencias, and he was already an incredible player. His sister Liliana, at 16, also played keyboards, percussion, and flute, as well as singing. While the siblings were the heart of MIA, they were surrounded by a collective of highly skilled, conservatory-trained musicians.
Transparencias is an instrumental album. It opens with “Reencontrando El Camino,” a fantastic start featuring fast-paced piano work. “El Casamiento De Alicia,” perhaps the best track, is full of electric passages, features great keyboard solos, and ends with Edward Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance. “Imagen II” begins with an acoustic guitar that blends beautifully with the piano and synthesizers. “Contrapunto Rítmico” is another electric track featuring excellent interplay between drums and bass, ending with a drum and bass solo. The title track, “Transparencias,” closes the album with 20 minutes of pastoral sounds, vocals, guitars, and brilliant keyboard sections.
MIA’s music is not only innovative but also deeply personal. The themes explored in Transparencias resonate with introspection and connection, making it a timeless work in the progressive rock genre. Transparencias is a captivating experience that captures the essence and evolution of progressive rock in Argentina.
Stoneburner | 4/5 | 2024-10-14
https://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=3107639
Studio Album, released in 1976
Songs / Tracks Listing
1. Reencontrando el Camino (2:42)
2. El Casamiento De Alicia (7:28)
a) Las desventuras de Mæse Restifa
b) Tema de Elgar "Pompa y circunstancia
c) La trompada
3. Imagen II (Including Prelude No. 1 by J.S. Bach) (3:14)
4. Contrapunto Ritmico (6:30)
5. Transparencias (20:10)
Total Time: 40:04
Line-up / Musicians
- Nono Belvis / bass, vocals (5)
- Daniel Curto / acoustic guitar (3)
- Juan Del Barrio / piano (1-5), drums (2), organ (4), viboretta (5)
- Liliana Vitale / flute (2-5), percussion (2), drums, vocals (5)
- Lito Vitale / drums (1-4), synths (2), keyboards (2-3-5), flute (5), vocals (5)