Almendra

Profile of the performer Almendra: Almendra ("Almond") was one of the most important rock and roll groups from Buenos Aires, Argentina in the late 1960s. Originally called The Beatniks, it was born out of a fusion of two high schools bands, Los Sbirros and Los Larkins. Led by guitarist and lyricist [a1006851], between 1968 and 1971 Almendra released a few singles and two albums that revolutionized the sound of Argentine rock for the remainder of the 20th century and almost single-handedly changed the way local rock music was respected by critics and audiences.



By 1967 the formation that would become Almendra, Rodolfo Garcia (Drums), Luis Alberto Spinetta (Vocals), Santiago Novoa (Keyboards), Emilio del Guercio (Bass) and Edelmiro Molinari (Guitar) was ready, but Rodolfo was drafted into military service and the band sat out for the rest of the year. During that time Tanguito's La Balsa, played by Los Gatos, became a massive hit, paving the way for Argentine Rock. The same year, upon hearing the news of the death of a friend, Spientta composed Tema de Pototo, song which would later spearhead the group's ascend to fame. Eventually he would learn that his friend wasn't dead.



On march 68 Spinetta bought a guitar and the band rigorous practice sessions, prompting Novoa to leave the band. They would later change go through different names, ultimately landing on Almendra.



In 1968, upon being noticed by a Talent chaser Almendra would release their first single, [b]Tema de Pototo / El Mundo Entre las Manos[/b]. Their second live show at Teatro del Globo was recorded and released on 2004 by Pagina12

In 1969 the group would release [b] Hoy Todo Hielo La Ciudad / Campos Verdes [/b] and [b]Tema de Pototo / Final[/b]. "Final" was meant to be the closing song of Almendra, but it didn't due to time constraints on the LP.



In 1970 they would release their first album, [b]Almendra[/b]. The album would receive mixed reviews, which would later cause Spinetta to distrust the media. However, the album sold well and put the group amongst the first of the nation-

Spinetta attempted to compose an Opera Rock Album with most of the big players of the era, however the project failed due to the group's abandonment of the rigorous practice sessions. This would be the beginning of the end for the group as the members would start to disagree on some topics. That same year they would release another self-tittled album, which would be known as [b]Almendra II[/b]. Soon after the band broke up, at the zenith of their fame. However, Edelmiro pointed out during an interview, "Almendra no se divide, se multiplica" (Almendra does not divide, it multiplies).



Each member would form a band of their own. Spinetta tried to start a group called Torax with Molinari, however, it failed and he traveled to Europe and composed a soloist album, to return later and form Pescado Rabioso. Meanwhile Molinari would start Color Humano and Emilio Del Guercio and Rodolfo Garcia created Aquelarre.



Almendra would reunite on 1979 and play on various shows, the unexpected appeal of the band led them to continue together. They released the live Albums [b]Almendra en Obras I and II[/b] independently and would release their third album, [b]El Valle Interior[/b] . However the group would break up again due to differences between Spinetta and Del Guercio.



On 2004 Magazine Pagina/12 released an Almendra 2 CD special containing [b]Almendra en Obras I y II[/b] and [b]Almendra En Vivo en Treatro del Globo[/b]



Almendra would have one last reunion in 2009 when Spinetta gathered all the bands borne of Almendra's separation in his legendary concert Spinetta y las Bandas Eternas ("Spinetta and the Eternal Bands")

1. http://www.myspace.com/almendra1969