Alas - Alas (1976)
Personnel:
GUSTAVO MORETTO keyb'ds, vcls, trumpet A B
CARLOS RIGANTI drms, perc A B
ALEX ZUCKER bs, gtr A
PEDRO AZNAR bs B
Single:
1 Rincon, Mi Viego Rincon/Aire (Surgente) (EMI 1262) 1975
This group was formed by ex-Alma y Vida member Moretto, ex-Materia Gris drummer Riganti and bassist Alex Zucker. They soon became a big live attraction and their music combined symphonic rock, jazz rock and more Argentinian styles.
Their single blended a nice melody with a decidedly Argentinian flavour on Side 'A' with an instrumental on the flip which showcased their musicianship.
They went on to release two very rare albums, Buenos Aires Solo Es Piedra (1976) and Pint Tu Aldea (1983), by which time Zucker had moved to the States and had been replaced by former Madre Atomica member Pedro Aznar. Both albums were later reissued on CD only in Brazil and the first is also available again in Argentina on CD with Aire (Sungente) as a bonus cut.
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Alas [Argentina]
Updated 9/7/01
Discography
Alas (76)
Pinta Tu Aldea (??)
Reviews
Rare Argentinian band in a very jazz influenced progressive rock vein. Not too original but excels in parts.
Alas is much better than second. -- Tom (AshRaTemp)
Argentinian trio formed in 1974. [Alas blends] highly complex segments, sound/noise experimentation, and "ethnic" influences, they don't really stick in your mind, but when you do listen to the record you can't help but to be impressed. Mostly instrumental, but there are some average folky vocals, and a great variety of instruments - mostly keyboards of all sorts (being a trio they'd have problems doing this live ...). Still it's pleasant enough to listen to (not jarringly experimental), and then you don't go and buy this album unless you're into prog rock, do you.
Their only official full-length album features two side-length songs in 6 and 7 parts respectively, and the CD version includes two earlier songs. The bonus tracks aren't very progressive, but nice and quiet pop/rock songs. Actually they are a bit better as far as songwriting goes. The original second song begins with a very mellow folky bit featuring electric piano and harmonized vocals - very beautiful! Unfortunately it also sports a below par drumsolo to fill up some space. But really what they do well is to incorporate jazzrock, so if you don't like your prog mixed with too big a dosage of jazz, this probably isn't for you. Personally I think they do a very good job at it, and I would recommend this album. -- Daniel
Tracklist:
1. Buenos Aires Solo Es Piedra 15:51
2. La Muerte Conto' El Dinero 18:03
3. Rincon, Mi Viejo Rincon 3:37
4. Aire (Surgente) 6:11