Beledo - Dreamland Mechanism Album Reviews

Expert fusion from the Uruguayan multi-instrumentalist Beledo.

Beledo Dreamload Mechanism album artwork

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Graced with impressive technique, Montevideo-born/New York-based guitarist Beledo was recently recruited by NY prog outfit Circuline, and fusion fans will recall his incisive work on The Avengers’ funk-soaked outing On A Mission.

On his debut for the ever-adventurous label MoonJune, he displays his wild, multi-instrumentalist talents, the prevailing feel referencing the European end of the 70s jazz-rock spectrum rather than its often-punchier US side. Mechanism, with its gnarly, interlocking riffing, apes an outtake from Bundles-era Soft Machine, Beledo providing a nimble violin solo and supple keyboards as well as scorching guitar.

It’s no surprise Allan Holdsworth receives thanks in the credits, his influence clearly present within certain pieces. The occasional smattering of Metheny-tinged world music textures allows Beledo’s strikingly melodic playing to shine bright and warm.

Within this impeccable cast of supporting players, the tracks where he teams up with bassist Lincoln Goines and Gary Husband on drums are of extra special interest. A powerful dream team of a trio, their confident blend of force and space creates some glorious high points here.

Sid Smith

Sid's feature articles and reviews have appeared in numerous publications including Prog, Classic Rock, Record Collector, Q, Mojo and Uncut. A full-time freelance writer with hundreds of sleevenotes and essays for both indie and major record labels to his credit, his book, In The Court Of King Crimson, an acclaimed biography of King Crimson, was substantially revised and expanded in 2019 to coincide with the band’s 50th Anniversary. Alongside appearances on radio and TV, he has lectured on jazz and progressive music in the UK and Europe.  

A resident of Whitley Bay in north-east England, he spends far too much time posting photographs of LPs he's listening to on Twitter and Facebook.