Alameda (Epic-CBS, 1979)
Sevilla-based Alameda was one of the leading acts of the flourishing Andalusian rock scene in the 1970s. They followed the path laid out by Triana and Medina Azahara. Like Iman, Alameda was a supergroup that brought together some of the most talented musicians in southern Spain.
Andalusian rock was a subgenre of Spanish progressive rock, characterized by the fusion of flamenco with rock and/or jazz. Alameda’s sound had a jazz fusion element at times, led by keyboard wizard Rafael Marinelli who used piano and abundant synthesizers. In fact, Alameda features some of the best Andalusian rock synthesizer solos made in the 1970s.
Like other Andalusian groups, Alameda used flamenco styles such as bulerias and rumbas, combining regular drums with palmas (handclap percussion) and flamenco bass lines.
The album Alameda had a nice mix of high quality radio friendly songs along with dazzling instrumental parts where the musicians showed their excellent skills. The album was recorded at Audiofilm studios in Madrid, produced by Andalusian rock mastermind Gonzalo García Pelayo. At the time, some critics labeled it a copy of Triana, but Alameda had their own sound, much more keyboard heavy, jazz oriented and refined than Triana. Alameda was very successful and sold over 100,000 copies in Spain, which was a great achievement in Spain for a progressive rock group at a time when major labels were seeking the latest fad like punk rock or romantic crooners.
Alameda was formed in 1977 when the leaders of Tartessos, Pepe Roca (guitar, vocals) and Manolo Marinelli (keyboards) were joined by keyboardist Rafael Marinelli (Manolo’s brother) and drummer Antonio Moreno from the band Nuevos Tiempos; and bassist Manolo Rosa.