The Spanish Progressive Rock Encyclopedia

The opinions and feelings are from a number of afficionados to this genre, so the descriptions and opinions contained in the entries do not necessarely match mine. Any correction or addendum is welcome. Send them to me via e-mail to inesta[sorry]dlsi.ua.es and the entry will be updated. Thanks for your collaboration!

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Last time updated on
Sep-15-2016

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 Medina Azahara 

 From:

    Córdoba  

 Musicians: (original line-up and changes between parenthesis)


Manuel Martinez (voice), Jose Antonio Molina (drums) (by Manuel Reyes), Miguel Galán (guitar) (by Paco Ventura), Manuel Molina (bass) (by Jose Manuel Fernández), and Pablo Rabadán (keys) (by Antonio Fernández).


 Discography:




Paseando por la Mezquita
(1979)


La Esquina del Viento
(1980)


Andalucía
(1982)


Caravana Española
(1986)


En Al-Hakim
(1989)


En Directo (1990)


Sin Tiempo
(1992)


Dónde está la Luz
(1993)


Árabe
(1995)


A Toda Esa Gente
(1996)


Tánger
(1998)


Baladas
(1999)


XX
(2000)


Tierra de Libertad
(2001)


Versión Original
(2003)


Aixa
(2003)


La Estación de los Sueños
(2005)


Se Abre la Puerta
(2007)

Singles:

Paseando por la Mezquita /Si Supieras
(1979)

La Esquina del Viento / Una Macana de Mayo
(1980)

Abre la Puerta
(????)

Necesito Respirar
(1982)

Otoño
(1994)

Tiempos Felices
(2000)

Córdoba
(2003)

 Web page:

    Link    

 Opinions and other informations:

    

Medina Azahara are a Spanish prog band who reportedly released several albums, starting from around 1979 and as late as 1991. I've seen this band listed as an incredible example of Spanish prog but the three albums I have tend not to bear this out. "La Esquina del Viento" is mostly 3-4 minute songs (the longest is 5:18) that isn't too progressive but rock with a few symphonic progressive tendencies. There is a strong vocal (Spanish of course) presence, lots of heavy guitar and occasionally some nice keyboard work. The rhythm section of bass and drums generally play simple and straightforward. All the songs follow the same general verse/chorus format. Andalucia is similar in that it has several commercial songs and a one or two tunes with vauge progressive tendencies. "Paseando por la Mezquita" is a better album with several fluid guitar solos alternating with liquid synth passages. They still suffer from a basic rhythm section, though. If you find any of their LPs at a bargain (doubtful), it might be worth picking them up. If they want a fortune (that you're willing to spend as a collector) you may want to audition them before you lay out the cash. (?)


I heard a couple of early tracks, enjoyable flamenco-prog with distorted guitar. Similar to Cai, but harder-rocking. Mike Ohman


I basically agree the above, simply to add that in a TV interview, then in 1980 (after the release of "Paseando por la Mezquita") to the guitarist (that he is not the current one) they asked him on his guitar influences and he stated that his favorite guitarist was, without a doubt, Steve Howe! Good Point... José Manuel Iñesta


Medina Azahara put togehter the andalusian atmospheres and the hard rock. They were at a good level with their early records and they even played live at London. Between '82 and '86 noone knew about them, but in 1986 reappeared with "Caravana Española". And in 1990, thanks to a live record they are in the groove again. Then a series of new record with a strong suppor from their label were released including covers of spanish songs of the 60s. Ein 1995 released "Árabe", a double set showing that the band's creative power was very low then. In addition they released a mini-Lp of christmas songs! (?)


Other webs of Medina Azahara:

LINK

In addition to their official discography a compilation of their records for CBS (1979-1982) has been released.


Review of the record "Medina Azahara" (in spanish)

Review of the record "En Al-Hakim"


Review of the record "En Vivo"