Bobby Callender
Rainbow

Again, Akarma Records! And this time, yet again, another legendary artist who vanished artistically at the premature age in the early 70s, once more embracing indo-progressive (see the review of Don Robertson: Dawn).

"Bobby Callender" is one of the greatest figures of America's Underground scene in the late 60s: conceptually, this artist expands the idea of freedom with Eastern philosophy and psychedelic rock, composing extreme melodies and gracing them with raga-rock scenes, jazz, and an incredibly beautiful voice. In his short career, he released only two albums: "Rainbow" in 1968 and "The Way" in 1970, collaborating with the greatest musicians of the time, including Colin Walcott.

"Rainbow" is an exemplary album, colored with many styles and is a personal and philosophical work. A mental, mystical, minimalist, and obsessive journey with its multiple arrangements. The atmosphere is absolutely psychedelic, romantic, and evocative, and it is precisely this combination that makes it a brilliant and monumental work (even this on vinyl is a collector's item).

11 tracks for 56 minutes of incredibly cerebral music: "Rainbow" the title track that opens the mystical journey, "Nature" a truly unusual oppressive march (funereal), "Sade Masoch" a tough mix between jazz and Indian dance, "Purple" a strongly new age composition lasting 11 minutes, "Mother Superior" the dramatic ballad, "Autumn" another blend between folk dance and jazz, "Man" a hippie song, "I'm Just High on Life" the space chant, and "Symphonic Pictures" the final destination that you will regret when it's all over.
Note the mysterious two bonus tracks: "Raga Man" and "Story of Rasha & d'Adhra", unusual, spiritual, and curious... in short, for opium addicts!

In the end, it's a prestigious work, almost inconceivable but in the end, you will go crazy for it. The beautiful cardboard reissue with its booklet for use maintenance is stunning. It should still be available in some online auction, and I assure you it's worth it.

For those who love rather curated sound and the most seductive prog-rock, it's an absolute must-have! For brainiacs!