Imán Califato Independiente-Imán Califato Independiente (1978)

Another important band in the Andalusian progressive rock movement was Imán Califato Independiente, which originated at a convention led by meditation guru Maharajji in the mid-seventies. Like true hippies, the musicians lived together in a house in El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz. Towards the end of the seventies, they managed to attract the attention of Columbia Records, who produced their first album, released in late 1978. On this debut album, the band displays strong jazz-rock influences reminiscent of Santana, Return to Forever, and Weather Report, with touches of progressive rock and the essence of flamenco folklore. The first side of the debut album is dedicated entirely to the suite "Tarantos del Califato Independiente," a dynamic track where synthesizers, powerful percussion, and exciting flamenco guitar solos and vibrant electric guitars combine to create an exuberant piece. The captivating “Darshan”, a clear example of Andalusian prog, the Latin jazz rock “Cerro Alegre” and the exotic progressive jazz rock with Arabic and Andalusian sounds “Canción de la Oruga”, made it one of the best debuts of Andalusian rock and Spanish rock.