ALAS in ProgArchives
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Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Suggest New Bands and Artists
Forum Description: Suggest, create polls, and classify new bands you would like included on Prog Archives
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=12896
Printed Date: April 26 2025 at 11:26
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Topic: ALAS in ProgArchives
Posted By: Cesar Inca
Subject: ALAS in ProgArchives
Date Posted: October 10 2005 at 21:45
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Hi Garion, Tony R, and all administrators of the Archives,
this is César Inca.
As promised, below is the information regarding Argentinean band ALAS (biography, discography, genre); unfortunately, this band does not have an active web page nor mp3 archives on line.
But there is this link http://www.musicaprogresiva.com/comentarios/alas_arnaldo.html - http://www.musicaprogresiva.com/comentarios/alas_arnaldo.htm l , in which you can find images of their two albums and one of the band’s original line-up rehearsing.
Kind regards from Lima.
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Band biography -.
ALAS was one of the most exquisite progressive bands in Argentina. The effective way in which they infused airs of Creole Argentinean folklore into their main prog sound - influenced by the massive energy of ELP (30 %) and the exuberant magic of WEATHER REPORT and RETURN TO FOREVER (70 %) - made ALAS a world of their own.
Keyboardist/wind player/vocalist/main writer Gustavo Moretto had been a prominent figure in his country’s musical scene. With the idea of forging a new musical direction leaning towards art-rock, he founded the band in 1975 in allegiance with bassist Alex Zucker and drummer/percussionist Carlos Riganti. Their recording debut took place later that same year, with a single comprising the tracks ‘Aire’ and ‘Rincón, Mi Viejo Rincón’. It wasn’t until 1976 that they released their eponymous debut album, which gained critical acclaim instantly. Even though the band felt happy with the album’s artistic results, Zucker had plans of his own (mostly regarding the enhancement of his academic formation), so he left the ALAS before the band set plans for their following release. Young virtuoso Pedro Aznar replaced Zucker (long before his PAT METHENY days), and with this altered line-up the band started the recording process for "Pinta tu Aldea" in the latter half of 1977. The artistic goal was now focused on the increase of tango colours and a decrease of the ELP influence, as well as in becoming an exclusively instrumental ensemble. Halfway of this recording process, Riganti quit the band: him not being replaced, the two tracks of side 2 were left without a proper rhythm section! A few days after the second album had been completed, in January ’78, the band split up for good.
Or so it seemed…In 2004 there was an ALAS reunion concert, featuring all three original members, plus a guitarist, bandoneon player Daniel Binelli, and Pedro Aznar as an extra bass player and lead vocalist for a couple of songs. It has been rumored for a while that there are plans of reforming ALAS: in fact, the repertoire for the aforementioned reunion concert included three new compositions by Moretto.
Particularly recommended for lovers of ELP with WEATHER REPORT flavours, who don’t mind the inclusion of PIAZZOLLA-influenced modern tango in their prog. Admirers of M.I.A., ICONOCLASTA, CRUCIS and other patently energetic prog acts from Latin America will be pleased with ALAS, too.
Country -. Argentina.
Genre -. Jazz Rock / Fusion.
Band discography -.
Alas (1976)
1. Buenos Aires Solo es Piedra (15:48)
a. Tango
b. Sueño
c. Recuerdo
d. Trompetango
e. Tanguito
f. Soldó
2. La Muerte Contó el Dinero (17:36)
a. Vidala
b. Smog
c. Galope
d. Mal-ambo
e. Vidala Again
f. Amanecer – Tormenta
g. Final
3. Aire [bonus track] (4:35)
Gustavo Moretto / keyboards, synthesizers, flute, trumpet, vocals
Alex Zucker / bass, guitar
Carlos Riganti / drums, percussion
Pinta tu Aldea (1978)
1. A Quiénes Sino (9:54)
2. Pinta tu Aldea (10:12)
3. La Caza del Mosquito (7:04)
4. Silencio de Aguas Profundas (13:31)
Gustavo Moretto / keyboards, synthesizers, flute, trumpet, percussion
Pedro Aznar / bass, acoustic guitar, synthesizer, flute (4)
Carlos Riganti / drums, percussion
Guests: Cecilia Tanconi / flute (3)
Daniel Binelli / bandoneon (2)
Néstor Marconi / bandoneon (4)
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Replies:
Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: October 11 2005 at 09:54
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Hello Cesar.
Good to add Alas. I've heard a 2-CD a few months ago, it sounded ELP-ish but blended with very original ideas (like the wonderful bandoneon), sometimes a bit complex but worth to check out.
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Posted By: Cesar Inca
Date Posted: October 12 2005 at 18:08
 erik neuteboom wrote:
Good to add Alas. I've heard a 2-CD a few months ago, it sounded ELP-ish but blended with very original ideas (like the wonderful bandoneon), sometimes a bit complex but worth to check out.
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Thank you for suporting this idea, Erik.
I inteneded to send this message to Garion's mail, but my two original messages rebounced. I hope ALAS gets included in the Archives soon.
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Posted By: Garion81
Date Posted: October 12 2005 at 19:57
Cesar Inca wrote:
erik neuteboom wrote:
Good to add Alas. I've heard a 2-CD a few months ago, it sounded ELP-ish but blended with very original ideas (like the wonderful bandoneon), sometimes a bit complex but worth to check out.
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Thank you for suporting this idea, Erik.
I inteneded to send this message to Garion's mail, but my two original messages rebounced. I hope ALAS gets included in the Archives soon.
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My complete handle is Garion81. Maybe that is why? Or were you refering to mailto:band.submissio[email protected] - [email protected]
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"What are you going to do when that damn thing rusts?"
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Posted By: erik neuteboom
Date Posted: October 12 2005 at 19:57
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Hello Cesar.
As soon as Alas is included I will review them! I hope you will keep on writing about the splendid South-American progrock, thanks for Jaime Rosas Cuartetto!
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