Iman Califato Independiente

The legendary band that borned in Madrid, but grew up in Jerez de la Frontera and El Puerto de Santa María. Few groups on Spanish music history have such a unanimous review when mentioned:

“I heard Imán a live many times. They were, without any doubt, the best rock played a live in that time. The guitar of Manolito Imán captured me. The group touched the perfection and excellence”. (Ricardo Pachón, “Producer of Paco de Lucia and Camarón”).

“Without any doubt, the best first record made in our country” (J. Manuel Costa, “El País”).

“They were the andalusian Pink Floyd; it was extraordinary, sounded with an amazing cleanliness and perfection.”(Kiko Veneno).

Imán, four personalities blessed by the Gurú Majarahji, could sound to King Crimsom, to Pink Floyd, to Santana, to Allman Brothers or Camel and to celestial music in just one afternoon. They could mix boleros with bulerias and rhythms with silences. First they were six, in Madrid, and then remained three, in Jerez, until that came Marcos Mantero and the quartet settled in the portuense Camino del Águila, the corner where years later lived Javier Ruibal and Chano Domínguez, tow unquestionable figures of the music without labels. The first, precisely, enjoyed with Imán and the second led the group “Cai” and afterwards, in his jazziest aspect paid a tribute to Imán in a bright record. From El Puerto de Santa María to their beloved Jerez, they offered more than three glorious years. They were unique in tanking profit from a sound equipment and from a local, however much underground that local were. And they never disappointed a live, something that other groups of their generation could not boast. On the other hand, Imán Califato Independiente with their quality guarantee contributed to create legendary festivals in that time, till the culmination in the “Luna Llena de Jerez”, the festival of festivals in Andalusia (Spain), the one that personified the ascension and fall of the andalusian rock in the summer of 1980. Who don’t remember Imán sharing the same poster in the Pemán Theater of Cádiz with Gualberto, in a concert organized by Fernando Quiñones or getting crowed the portuense “Tierra, Mar y Vino” or setting and giving splendor to an unexplored musical language, more beautiful than the silence.

After so long, Imán enjoys a secretive and charming life in Internet where, curiously, was created their return and myth. More information: http://www.califatoindependiente.net

Musicians

  • Iñaki Egaña: Bass. vocals
  • Manuel Imán: Guitars, vocals
  • Marcos Mantero: Keyboards
  • Kiko Guerrero: Drums and percussion
  • Other Musicians:
  • Urbano Moraes: Bass 1979-80
  • Rubén Dantas: percussion
  • Dreide Fallon: vocals

Albums

  • 1978 Imán Califato Independiente
  • 1980 Camino del Águila
  • 2006 Todas sus grabaciones CBS
  • 2006 30 Aniversario