Memphis La Blusera
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Defunct | 2008 |
| Headquarters | Buenos Aires , Argentina |
| Products | Blues and rock music albums |
Memphis La Blusera was a blues and rock ensemble from Argentina, established in 1978 and active until 2008. The group consisted of Adrián Otero on vocals, Daniel Beiserman handling bass, acoustic bass, and vocals, Villanueva Emilio playing tenor saxophone and bass, Mira Marcelo on drums, German Weidemer covering keyboards, piano, and Hammond organ, along with Sedler Lucas on both acoustic and electric guitars. This band is credited with pioneering and significantly influencing the development of the Argentine blues scene.
History
The band’s first public appearance took place at the Unione e Benevolenza theatre in 1978 after several months of preparation. By 1981, they were the opening act for Pajarito Zaguri at Arena Obras Sanitarias, and in 1982 they performed at the “Festival BARock,” where they received favorable reviews. Their initial album, Alma bajo la lluvia, included the notable track Blues de las 6 y 30.
Their third studio effort, Tonto rompecabezas, arrived in 1989 with production assistance from Andrés Calamaro. This release marked a shift from socially focused lyrics to themes about love, though their subsequent album, Memphis la Blusera, revisited earlier subject matter. After extensive touring across Argentina, they released Nunca tuve tanto blues in 1994. That same year, they shared the stage at Gran Rex Theatre with Taj Mahal, Albert King, and B.B. King; this performance was recorded and became their sixth album, Memphis en vivo. The follow-up album Cosa de hombres (1995) was promoted through concerts nationwide. By this point in their career, Memphis La Blusera had played more than 1,300 shows over 17 years and had earned Gold Disc certifications for two albums.
In 2000, the band signed with Warner Music and produced their tenth album Angelitos Culones in Los Angeles under producers Oscar Mediavilla and Gustavo Borner. The album achieved Gold status and secured the 2002 Carlos Gardel Award for Best Rock Band; its accompanying video also received a nomination. Following this success, they collaborated with the Orquesta Sinfónica Nacional at Teatro Colón, a concert that was recorded live and released as an album.
Marking their 25th anniversary, Memphis La Blusera performed at Buenos Aires’ Luna Park stadium and issued 25° Aniversario, a double CD compiling classic songs alongside two new tracks: Rodar o Morir and Que la vida siga. Their last studio release was …Etc, which came out in 2006.
The group disbanded in 2008 after lead vocalist Adrián Otero departed to begin a solo career; the remaining members formed a new band called Viejos Lobos. Tragically, Otero passed away in a car accident on June 12, 2012.
Discography
- Alma bajo la lluvia, 1983
- Medias Negras, 1988
- Tonto Rompecabezas, 1989
- Memphis La Blusera, 1991
- Memphis en vivo, 1994
- Nunca tuve tanto blues, 1994
- Cosa de Hombres, 1995
- Hoy es Hoy, 1998
- El acústico, 1999
- Angelitos Culones, 2001
- Teatro Colón, 2003
- 25° Aniversario, 2004
- ...Etc., 2005
Notes
External links
- Biography at rock.com.ar