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Arco Iris

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Arco Iris was an Argentinian rock group from the late 1960s to the late 1970s, important in the history of Argentinian rock. The group began as The Crows, until the producer Ricardo Kleinman signed it on condition that it sing in Spanish. The frontman and founder was Gustavo Santaolalla, together with Ara Tokatlián and Guillermo Bodarampé. The group lived in a community with Danais Wynnycka, known as Dana, who became their spiritual guide, with yoga as a way of life. Their song Blues de Dana won the Beat Festival of Mar del Plata.

Music and breakthrough

The real breakthrough came in 1972, with the hit Mañana Campestre on Tiempo de resurrección. The same year saw the double album Sudamérica o el regreso a la aurora, generally regarded as the first rock opera in Spanish, with blues, folk, jazz, rock and Latin American sounds. In 1973 Inti-Raymi followed. Agitor Lucens V from 1975 was more symphonic, with long instrumental passages and plenty of keyboards. After that Santaolalla left the group. In 1978 Arco Iris moved to California and made jazz and new age.

Influence

Arco Iris was, together with the Chilean group Los Jaivas, a pioneer in blending rock and regional folk music. Santaolalla later became an important producer of rock in Spanish and a film composer.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Mañana Campestre and notice the acoustic guitars and the melody that recalls folk music. Can you hear how the electric guitar butts in over the top?

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

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Categories: Artists