ARCHIVOS - EMI

This is a CD reissue by EMI, indeed, not only supporting Marillion but also Argentinian prog legend Alas. This 2-CD compilation from 2001 contains the LP's Alas from 1976 (with 2 bonustracks) and Pinta Tu Aldea from 1979, both in different trio line-ups. The musical brainchild and constant factor in the band is multi-instrumentalist Gustavo Moretto, he plays keyboards, violin, trumpet, bandoneon, flute, and he also does the vocals.

Gustavo had a lot of success with the pioneering jazzrock formation Alma Y Vida, but in 1974 he founded Alas to make progressive rock. The music on the debut album contains in the more symphonic rock oriented interludes a lush keyboard sound, with powerful Hammond and cascades of Minimoog runs (often with pitchbend), Patrick Moraz comes to my mind. But in general Alas delivers a fusion of jazz, rock and folk, often pretty experimental, with many interesting msucial ideas. The one moment a fluent rhythm with swirling Hammond, the other moment jazzy Fender Rhodes electric piano work and wonderful string-ensemble. Or virtuosic play on the Steinway grand piano with swirling flute and speedy runs on the acoustic guitar, like 'Keith Emerson meets John McLaughlin'. A real treat is the distinctive bandoneon sound, frequently blended into the music of Alas. The second album is instrumental, it sounds like the first one but more adventurous, like interplay between a trumpet and string-ensemble. Remarkable are the many sensational soli on the Moog synthesizer, and the frequent use of the Fender Rhodes electric piano, adding a jazzy element to the music.

If you are up to keyboard oriented jazz and jazzrock and an adventurous and experimental prog sound, Alas is a band to discover.

My rating 3,5 star.