Mosque

40 years of Andalusian progressive rock (1979-2019)

At the end of the 60s, in Córdoba a band was born formed by José Rafa García, Randy López, Paco López “Roscka” and Rafael Zorrilla “Pelucas”. They were four kids who under the name of EXPRESIÓN toured the country making a very daring rock and persecuted at that time for its rebellious content. Highly sought-after band that began making covers. Later they took to the stage their own creations with compositions inspired by their musical experience with lyrics censored at times. They already used Arabic roots as a basis in the compositions of EXPRESSION. When what they labeled Andalusian rock emerged, and on the return of the military in 1978, the same musicians began an experience more linked and committed to Andalusian rock. With Arabic nuances and a great rock base, EXPRESIÓN evolved into a new project called MEZQUITA.
The sounds of the land, particularly flamenco and Arabic-Andalusian melodies merge with different styles always keeping in mind progressive and symphonic rock.
The beginnings of MEZQUITA were devastating. They began to generate songs of great musical impact with an excellent staging, which made them stand out as one of the best Spanish progressive rock groups. They drank from the fountains of large groups such as YES, KING CRIMSON, etc. but with the flavor of Andalusia.
They recorded two studio albums, “Recuerdos de mi tierra” (1979) and “Califas del rock” (1981). In 2011 MEZQUITA recorded a record called “En vivo” to celebrate the 30th Anniversary. This album collects the best of several memorable performances of that year, including two unreleased tracks.
His album “Recuerdos de mi tierra” is considered a masterpiece of the union of progressive rock with flamenco. These pioneers reach an impressive quality comparable to other great bands of the genre such as Triana, Alameda, Guadalquivir, Caí and Imán. The passage of time has put them at the forefront of the Andalusian movement in half the world and there are many references both in Spanish and in other languages that consider MEZQUITA as a worthy representative of rock with capital letters of the seventies of our country. He has a multitude of followers abroad, his albums are collector’s items. At the request of the public, at the moment they have prepared new live shows with the strength and mastery of always. Currently, the band retains three of its four founding members, thus guaranteeing the original sound of the band. Eduardo Viñolo was the drummer who joined the 30th Anniversary. Now they celebrate 40 years of Andalusian progressive rock and the release of their first album “Recuerdos de mi tierra”.
Surely they will surprise all their followers and the new generations.