(Jazz Rock/Fusion/Prog Rock/) Alas - Grandes Exitos - 2004, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Alas 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.

: : : Cesar Inca, PERU : : :

"Grandes Exitos" ist eine günstige Zusammenstellung der EMI Argentinien, die den Großteil des von Alas regulär veröffentlichten Materials enthält: ihr komplettes erstes Album, eine Single von 1975 und drei der vier Stücke vom zweiten Album Pinta Tu Aldea.

Wer Alas und ihre interessante Mischung aus klassischem, ELP-beeinflusstem Prog, Jazzrock und Tango Nuevo kennenlernen will, ist damit jedenfalls sehr gut bedient, auch wenn es ärgerlich ist, dass "Pinta Tu Aldea" nicht komplett enthalten ist. Wer die beiden Alben schon in früheren CD-Versionen besitzt, muss "Grandes Exitos" nicht unbedingt haben, jedenfalls nicht wegen der Single. Diese ist zwar nicht schlecht, aber auch nicht sonderlich aufregend: "Aire (Surgente)" ist ein nettes verspielt-proggiges Intrumentalstück mit leichten Jazzrock-Tendenzen, "Rincon, Mi Viejo Rincon" ist eher ruhig und melodisch angelegt, bietet aber vergleichsweise schwachen Gesang, den Alas auf ihren LPs dankenswerterweise abstellten. Allerdings klingen für meine Ohren die Nummern von "Pinta Tu Aldea" auf "Grandes Exitos" brillianter und weniger dumpf als auf der Rock Symphony Ausgabe des Albums; dies könnte für Besitzer dieser früheren CD-Ausgabe ein weiterer Grund sein, die Anschaffung von "Grandes Exitos" anzudenken.

- Gustavo Moretto / vocals, synthesizers, winds, violín
- Carlos Riganti / drums, percussion
- Alex Zucker / bass (1-4), guitar
- Pedro Aznar / bass (5-7)