Banco Del Mutou Soccorso - Darwin (1972)

Darwin! will remain Banco del Mutuo Soccorso's masterpiece. This album, the band's second, is the proud equal of Premiata Forneria Marconi's Per Un Amico and Le Orme's Felona e Sorona in the Italian progressive rock hall of fame. In Darwin!, every promise made by Banco's eponymous debut was realized. Vittorio Nocenzi's writing has flourished into complex songs blending Italian songwriting, bel canto, and progressive rock. The arrival of guitarist Rodolfo Maltese crystallized the band's luxurious sound, all topped by Francesco Di Giacomo's operatic vocals. The majestic "L'Evoluzione" opens the album, providing some of the best moments ever recorded by this band (along with "Canto Nomade per un Prigioniero Politico"). "La Conquista Della Posizione Eretta" ("The Conquest of the Wrong Position") reproduces the same pattern as "Metamorphosi" from the first album: a frenetic instrumental theme, scaled down toward the end to let room for a very emotional verse. "La Danza de Grandi Rettili" is a rare jazzy number. Di Giacomo shines on "750,000 Anni Fa...L'Amore?," a heart-wrenching ballad much closer to Italian pop music than progressive rock. The album comes to an end with "Ed Ora la Domando Tempo al Tempo," a short piece inspired by merry-go-round music. The original version of the album bears a cover with a pocket watch. Never satisfied with the sound quality of the original tapes, the band re-recorded the whole album in 1991 and issued it with blue cover artwork. Purists turned their back on this new version, but it is actually very well performed, even though it has lost the vintage 1970s Italian flavor. The original Darwin! was eventually also reissued on CD. ~ François Couture. Review from Rdio

Songs / Tracks Listing

  1. L'Evoluzione (13:59)
2. La Conquista Della Posizione Eretta (8:42)
3. Danza Dei Grandi Rettili (3:42)
4. Cento Mani E Cento Occhi (5:22)
5. 750,000 Anni Fa ... L'Amore? (5:38)
6. Miserere Alla Storia (5:58)
7. Ed Ora Io Domando Tempo Al Tempo Ed Egli Mi Risponde ... Non Ne Ho! (3:29) 

Line-up / Musicians

- Gianni Nocenzi / clarinet, piano, keyboards
- Pier Luigi Calderoni / drums, tympani
- Renato D'Angelo / bass, guitar, guitar (bass)
- Francesco DiGiacomo / vocals
- Vittorio Nocenzi / organ, synthesizer, keyboards, clavinet
- Marcello Todaro / guitar (acoustic), guitar, guitar (electric), vocals 

Area - Arbeit Macht FreI (1973)

One of the most talented and creative bands not only in the 70's italian progressive scene but in the prog rock history as well.Area deliver an excellent jazz rock album in their debut with some KING CRIMSON-like passages (just listen to the intro of ''Arbeit macht frei''),ethnic influences (the whole first track influenced by the arabian culture) and also some MAGMA-like sections (listen to the last track of the album).But it's not only the excellent musicianship that stands out,it's also the unique voice of Demetrio Stratos,one of the most obscure,powerful and weird voices I've ever heard.Stratos is the main figure of the band undoubtfully,I don't know if Area would have such a fame in the prog circles if Stratos weren't in the band...An album full of inspired vocal and music improvisations...5 stars and even more for jazz,RIO and Zeuhl lovers,

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Luglio, Agosto, Settembre (Nero) (4:27) 

2. Arbeit Macht Frei (7:56) 

3. Consapevolezza (6:06) 

4. Le Labbra Del Tempo (6:00) 

5. 240 Chilometri Da Smirne (5:10) 

6. L'Abbattimento Dello Zeppelin (6:45)

Total Time: 36:24

Line-up / Musicians

- Demetrio Stratos / vocals, organ, still drums

- Patrick Djivas / bass 

- Patrizio Fariselli / pianos 

- Gianpaolo Tofani / guitars, VCS-3

- Giulio Capiozzo / drums, percussion

- Victor Edouard ('Eddie') Busnello / sax, bass clarinet, flutes

XII Alfonso - The Lost Frontier (2006)

XII ALFONSO's story dates back in 1988,when they were found in Bordeaux by Francois and Phillipe Clarhout,Stephane Merlin and Laurent Cindicq.Between 1988 and 1992 they wrote exclusively instrumental music and they even recorded a concept album around Marco Polo's life.In 1993 they recorded their first single ''Costa Brava coast'',before visiting Scotland and UK and being influenced by the ruins of Hadrian's Wall in the town of Haltwhistle,they decide to create a concept album related with this theme.With the help of several musicians (among them Mickey Simmons and Dan Ar Bras) and singers and despite the line-up problems,XII ALFONSO release ''The lost frontier'' in 1996.

The music is pretty much laid back with scarce electric outbursts and mostly relaxed themes with an intense Celtic flavor.Their sound is pretty diverse and varied in these 16 short compositions,going from melodic electric passages to piano-based instrumentals and light keyboard-driven symphonic introductions.There is a heavy OLFIELD-ian atmposhere dominating the album with all these different instruments and influences mixed together in a generally soft progressive package.Actually the guitar work (and not only) reminds me of MINIMUM VITAL,though in a much more melodic presentation.What is quite clear are the strong doses of pleasant Celtic melodies (with some fine blending of acoustic parts with accordeon,pipes and flutes) and the tons of elegant acoustic guitars,trying to create a nostalgic climate.Notice also the ethereal female vocals,which are one of the highest points of this release.

Lovers of electric sounds will be pretty much dissapointed by ''The lost frontier''.However,both fans of MIKE OLDFIELD and laid-back but almost symphonic music will propably like this a lot.An interesting first step for the band. Review from progarchives.com

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Hadrian's wall overture (5:08)
2. Hello you (4:18)
3. Mist (5:06)
4. Minstrel's tale (8:27)
5. The ghost's song (4:03)
6. Lazy day in Haltwhistle (3:32)
7. Back to Northumberland (3:33)
8. Edges of empire (2:29)
9. Diving into the coal womb (2:29)
10. Breathing, scarcely (5:49)
11. Wheels of change (4:58)
12. Another day in Haltwhistle (2:17)
13. Heath (5:14)
14. Revival (3:50)
15. Thirteen winds (5:06)
16. Anthem (4:48)

Total Time: 71:07 

Line-up / Musicians

- Philippe Claerhout / guitars
- François Claerhout / keyboards programming
- Stephane Merlin / keyboards
- Caroline Lafue / vocals
- Mickey Simmonds / keyboards
- Laure Oltra / texts
- Bernard Auzerol / bass
- Laurent Dupont / bass
- Dan Ar Bras / guitar
- Thierry Volto / drums
- Caroline Monteil / flute
- Laurent Sindicq / bass
- Thierry Moreno / drums, percussion

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XII Alfonso - Odyssees (2000)

My opinion is that french band XII Alfonso is half-decently covered and rated...

Under the Claerhout brothers (displaying guitar and keyboards mpain input), they have achieved all along their five recordings a high level of musicianship and integrity, if not total originality. Unlike most of the french progsters, there's no Zeuhl or Ange's clone to be found, rather a stylistically inclined link to celtic and other western part of France traditions. So it's accurate to feel some ressemblances with Mike Oldfield and Camel for instance. Folk ingredients, few delicate songs in and overall instrumental work, musicianship devoted to the melody more than performance, attention to the general climate of the whole recording are qualities XII Alfonso share with their most famous british counterparts. While the two brothers form the core of the group, there is a lot of instruments and a long list of guests to be found on any of the records, so, if i choose Odyssées over any of the other records i enjoy equally, it's because of his immediate appeal, his perfect production, and within his 70 + minutes (which is the norm for them) a perfect summarizing of the seduction of XII Alfonso.

Symphonic for sure, the music clearly comes from classically trained musicians, and yet one can feel the energy inherent to rock idioms, in rythms and development. Clever they are for sure as well: any of the records benefits of the cohesion of a unique thematic path, based on artistic or historic topic. For "Odyssées" it is to be found on the great achievments of human mankind. The opening, with over 7 minutes in time, takes us on a space journey, portraying the american lunar missions of the 70's, mixing an array of synths with the recorded sounds of the the astronauts, alternating spacious sounds with rythms pulsations creating a captivating sense of motion. "Lythophonia", at the other end, takes us back to the beginnings, offering what could be the music of the cavemen. "La Révolution des oeillets" finds us aboard the first vapor machine trains; if not revolutionary in treatment, the idea of the railroad horsepower pulsing gives this other long piece a very efficient sound over which a nice guitar soloing trade licks with an effervescent acoustic piano. "Larrey"is a tribute to one of the first surgeons to bring medecine up to the front, during Napoleonian wars, and so on.Otherwise while the music is cleverly arranged and produced , there are a lot of small musical interludes, solo acoustic guitars ala Steve Hackett, peaceful piano, sparse songs with mostly female guests on vocals. A captivating while dreamy result that truly reach deeply into my musical soul...

Overtly recommended for those who enjoy the aforementioned artists, Anthony Phillips' work and most simply stated intelligence and subtility in art over raw energy or performance. Give me five! Review from Progarchives.com

Songs / Tracks Listing 

1. Eclipse (7:26) 

2. Odyssée (5:58) 

3. Lithophonia (3:09) 

4. Message 95 (4:15) 

5. Tomorrow (1:43) 

6. Où Vont Les Amants? (7:43) 

7. La Révolution des Oeillets (8:25) 

8. Nil (2:56) 

9. Invisible Links (part 2) (4:30) 

10. Tout Passe (4:35) 

Bonus tracks: 

11. Noria (5:07) 

12. Le dernier voyage (2:11) 

13. Dominique Larrey (8:26) 

14. En Castille (live 10/10/98) (4:40)

Line-up / Musicians 

- François Claerhout / keyboards, programming, lithophones, rainstick, jaleos, percussion 

- Philippe Claerhout / vali, acoustic & electric guitars, bass, lithophones, vocoder, keyboards, Chapman stick, kora, balaphone, e bow, percussion 

- Laurent Dupont / bass 

- Laure Oltra / lyrics, voice 

- Judith Robert / vocals 

- Antoine Tome / vocals

- Stéphane Rolland / electric guitar 

- Michael Geyre / keyboards 

- Thierry Moreno / musical glasses, drums, percussions, lithophones

- Philippe Rougé / lithophones, flute 

- Stephane Merlin / keyboards

- Bernard Ozerol / bass 

- Sandrine Rougé / vocals 

- Mickey Simmonds / keyboards 

- Dan ar Braz / electric guitar 

- Julio Presas / electric guitar, bass, vocals 

- Tito Correa / lyrics

- Lionel Gibaudan / bass 

- Stephane Barrincourt / electric guitar 

- Jean Luc Payssan / mandolin, bass pedals (14) 

- Thierry Payssan / organ (14)

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Osanna - Palepoli (1972)

Back in 1993, I was a bit lost trying to figure out what kind of music I should try. I was discovering several lesser known prog acts (GENTLE GIANT, SOFT MACHINE, HENRY COW, even PFM) though ROLLING STONE books on record collecting. Then I met this guy from Eugene, Oregon who was a big time prog rock fan, and I was asking questions about these bands since he knew a lot more than me. And he gave me a blank tape. One side was MUSEO ROSENBACH's "Zarathustra". The other was OSANNA's "Palepoli". And here I was 20 years old at the time, not realizing there were way more Italian prog than just PFM, and I was totally blown away by this tape.

On the subject of "Palepoli", well tracking down a CD reissue seems to be a bit more difficult (it's time this album received a more permanent CD reissue print, and make it more readily available through places like Amazon). I still listen to it through that cassette to this day, ten years later. Finding an orginal LP isn't exactly easy to come by either. In 1993, "Palepoli" was by far the most challenging and exciting prog rock I've heard up to that point. The JETHRO TULL, KING CRIMSON, and VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR influences are quite obvious. Lots of twisted passages, very aggressive, and tons of Mellotron. This album also benefits as being OSANNA's only album to be sung entirely in Italian (the thing that often bugged me about their other albums was their English wasn't that great). The music never stays one thing for long, one minute they might get in to a minblowingly intense jam, then next they quiet down with some sinister sounding passages, then they get all quirky and silly the next. Easy to get in to this is not. LOCANDA DELLE FATE, PFM, or CELESTE this is not. But if you like the more aggressive end of prog, you're certain to enjoy this. Review from progarchives.com

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Oro Caldo (18:30) 

2. Stanza Città (1:45) 

3. Animale Senza Respiro (21:36) 

Total Time: 41:51

Line-up / Musicians

- Danilo Rustici / guitars, vox organ, electric piano, vocals 

- Lino Vairetti / lead vocals, rhythm guitars, ARP 2600, Mellotron 

- Elio D'Anna / tenor and soprano sax, flute, vocals 

- Massimo Guarino / drums, vibraphone, percussion 

- Lello Brandi / bass

Racconto D'Inverno - Arpia (2009)

Arpia are an Italian prog band from Rome that have been active since 1984. The present line up features multi instrumentalist and composer Leonardo Bonetti (vocals, acoustic guitar, bass and keyboards), Paola Feraiorni (vocals), Fabio Brait (acoustic guitar) and Aldo Orazi (drums). "Racconto d'inverno" is their third album and it seems to mark a change in the musical direction of the band. It is conceived as a long acoustic suite where melancholic musical landscapes are drawn by male and female vocals. The rhythm section is never invasive, acoustic guitars are omnipresent, there are not spectacular solos but the music perfectly fits the mood of the lyrics and flows away describing with notes what Leonardo Bonetti described with words. In fact "Racconto d'inverno is not only a musical work but also a novel. They're like two faces of the same coin. It's very difficult to appreciate the mood and the atmosphere of this album without knowing what it's about.

The main sources of inspiration for this opera were "Stalker", a 1979 science fiction film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky and "Raconto d'autunno", a novel by the Italian writer Tommaso Landolfi (1908-1979). According to Leonardo Bonetti it was impossible for him just to put in music and words the work of Landolfi and he decided to write his own novel to shape his feelings in a better way. The result in my opinion is very good and I enjoyed both book and music.

The plot is settled somewhere in the mountains of Northern Italy, not far from a border, during the period 1943-1945. After the Italian army disbanded, Northern Italy was poisoned by the conflicts between Nazi-fascists and bands of partisans... "Crime and Pride / Our lady the Black Death / Is marching without pain...". Desperation, death and hunger are the background for this work that tells the story of a desperate man, running away from this gloomy country looking for an escape. The fugitive arrives in a tumbling down villa built upon the ruins of an ancient abbey, a kind of labyrinth haunted by a strange presence... A man tries to help him to cross the border but they are trapped in winter weather and have to come back to the villa. Here dreams and reality melt while hope and love come out under the shadows of an impending death.

The titles of the tracks are just like the titles of the chapters of a book. The tracks are not separate entities but movements of a long suite while lyrics recall the story narrated by the book evoking images and feelings. The contrast between male and female vocals is the strength of a bold and complex album with a peculiar "unplugged" rock sound. ARPIA Racconto d'inverno music reviews and MP3

On the whole, an excellent album.

Songs / Tracks Listing
1. Epilogo (2:41)
2. Giù nella forra (1:47)
3. Casa di blu (0:58)
4. La guida (1:28)
5. Cosa dice quella porta chiusa (0:53)
6. Dimmi chi sei (2:30)
7. Cosa dice quella porta schiusa (0:53)
8. Fame che ride (1:18)
9. Ladri e stranieri (4:49)
10. Soldati! (2:01)
11. Un lupo (3:29)
12. Canto antico (2:38)
13. Casa non mai vista (2:23)
14. Cristo guarito (3:10)
15. La lettera (1:52)
16. Gli scantinati (3:56)
17. Requiem (2:29)
18. Nessuno muore mai (1:37)
19. Non sono morto (2:21)

Total time: 43:05

Line-up / Musicians
- Leonardo Bonetti / vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, keyboards
- Paola Feraiorni / vocals
- Fabio Brait / acoustic guitar
- Aldo Orazi / drums

Free music - Arpia

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Delirium - Il Nome Del Vento (2009)

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A few years ago PFM pulled off an amazing comeback album called "Stati di Imagginazione" which struck me because latter day comebacks of some favorite English bands had always disappointed me. Now Delirium have returned with the remarkable "Il Nome del Vento" proving that the Italians have bested the formula for comebacks-- frankly I think the difference is that some prog giants see a comeback with dollar signs in their eyes, whereas Delirium are in it for the right reasons, first and foremost the love of music. Many prog writers have proclaimed the 3rd Delirium album to be the best of the '70s lot. While I've not heard their first two albums I can safely say that Delirium 2009 has impressed me much more than the '74 album did. This is a work that feels painstakingly crafted with mature composition and sophisticated, beautiful arrangements. The band is legit without a doubt: back are Ettore Vigo, Pino di Santo, Martin Grice, and Mimmo di Martino. Newer members include guitarist Roberto Solinas and bassist Fabio Chighini. They are joined by a string quartet and guests including the amazing Sophya Baccini among others. No shortage of talent! Lyricist Mauro La Luce was brought in and the perfectly representative cover art was painted by Anna Ferrari.

The album "Il Nome del Vento" (which if my awful translations skills are accurate would be "The Name of the Wind") is a skillfully blended and thoroughly fulfilling combination of sophisticated symphonic progressive rock and jazz-rock excursion. I have heard many attempts by today's decent high-profile bands at capturing something this ambitious, and even when the results are mostly good there can be some sections that make me wince a bit for reasons of either poor composition or iffy production/performance. You will find none of these kinds of bush league mistakes on Il Nome, this album is flawlessly executed. Carefully considered compositions, painstakingly perfect production, and immaculate performance from top to bottom. If there is any negative charge to be leveled at Delirium for this album it will come from those who feel they play it too relaxing, not wild enough for adrenalin loving prog fanatics--consider a quote like this from the book Scented Gardens written about 1974's Delirium 3: "All Delirium albums are pleasant enough but sound too common and pedestrian to be really interesting." [Scented Gardens of the Mind]. I have written often enough myself that even the high quality modern Italian prog albums lack the "avant-garde" surprises of the early '70s heyday. While that sentiment is true to some extent one should not write off an album like this because it is far from "pedestrian." True that much of the high-minded weirdness of the old days is gone but what remains is not "common" but exceptional this time around. Maturity is a word the band might not appreciate but the composition demands that I use it. These tracks are so beautifully written and perfectly arranged that I've realized sophistication isn't necessarily the harbinger of soft middle age I might have thought. Like Wyatt's recent "Comicopera" Delirium have infused a degree of elegance that few bands of any age pull off.

In attempting to describe moments of beauty for which words don't do justice, I would say that Il Nome almost has the classic symphonic influence of "Days of Future Passed," the occasional jazz leanings of a Robert Wyatt album, and the upscale rock of a Zuffanti project. (like I said, encapsulating an album like this is not fair but at least I gave it the college try!) The symphonic moments are my favorite when you have these glorious melodic passages rising from the piano, Hammond, or Mellotron. They are grand and stately, adorned with Baccini's lovely backing vocals, gentle flute and strings passages, lovely to the point of intoxication. The title track is the perfect example of this with Sophya's harmonies just heavenly. From these sections they will quite frequently veer into jazz-rock territory with saxophone often taking the lead for some extended workouts. The third component are the rock guitar leads which break through here and there to keep things from getting too laid back, and the bass playing is strong and bubbly throughout. During some of the rock sections with flute the inevitable Jethro Tull comparisons may pop up again but really this album sounds little like Tull to me. It sounds a lot like Delirium delivering the masterpiece that perhaps eluded them in the 1970s. This is an hour long journey that is going to please many progressive fans of all stripes. My favorites are of course the melodic lushness of the title track and the amazing blend of saxophone, flute, and piano jamming on the 10 minute highlight "Dopo il Vento." Every song is strong and the little details keep popping with each new play. I am truly grateful that these legends of the Italian scene were able to have the chance to make this music and that I was fortunate enough to hear it. This is one title to embrace in a relaxed manner. It's not a "type-A" personality album you want in rush hour traffic, it's really an album that begs one to pour a drink or two and listen to relaxed and without multi-tasking. Take in the high level of detail and care given to the performances. Listen to how effortlessly the string quartet is woven into the composition, how the performances just excel from everyone. Listen for the vocal debut of the young Valentino Vera who I believe makes his first appearance and does a wonderful job! Feel the optimism in the cycle of life that the band seems to exude throughout every inch of this project. It is music that feels reassuring, somehow wise, not something you feel everyday. This is without question one of the premier releases of the 2000s, a triumphant return for this outstanding progressive band and I imagine they must be thrilled with the results.

Black Widow Records scores another big victory with this Delirium return. They deliver the disc in a tri-fold digipak boasting great artwork, a beautiful 24 page booklet filled with color photos and lyrics, a bonus track, and even a bonus video. I've only spent a short time with this album thus far because I wanted to get a review up and get the word out about its release. I give them 5 stars based on a quick initial impression of about a week, but we'll have to see if that holds up over time. Sometimes they don't but I've a feeling this one just might. Bravo Delirium! DELIRIUM Il Nome Del Vento music reviews and MP3 (review from progarchives.com)

Fantastic album by this Italian band, which just goes to prove that a bands earlier works are not always the best!!!!

Songs / Tracks Listing 1. Intro (1:23)

2. Il Nome del Vento (6:01)

3. Verso il Naufragio (6:35)

4. L'Acquario delle Stelle (6:15)

5. Luci Lontane (4:14)

6. Profeta Senza Profezie (4:20)

7. Ogni Storia (5:02)

8. Note di Tempesta (4:29)

9. Dopo il Vento (9:40)

10. Cuore Sacro (8:49)

11. L'Aurora Boreale (4:26) (bonus track)

Line-up / Musicians

- Ettore Vigo / keyboards
- Martin Grice / sax, flute, keyboards
- Pino Di Santo / drums, vocals
- Roberto Solinas / guitars, vocals
- Fabio Chighini / bass
- Mimmo Di Martino / vocals (2)

String quartet:
- Chiara Giacobbe Chiarilla / violin
- Diana Tizzani / violin
- Simona Merlano / viola
- Daniela Caschetto Helmy / cello

Guest musicians:
- Stefano Lupo Galifi / vocals (6)
- Sophya Baccini / backing vocals (2, 4, 7, 9), piano (9)

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Premiata Forneria Marconi - Per Un Amico (1972)

Simply one of the all-time great Italian prog albums. While many people might be more familiar with the English-language conterpart, "Photos of Ghosts", to me, I think the original Italian language version is much superior, as they aren't stumbling with the English language, and it sounds more natural. This was their second album in one year (1972). This is a more complex and challenging album than their debut, "Storia di un Minuto". The album starts off with "Appena un Pò" (the label of the original LP states it as "Appena un Poco"). The song starts off with Mellotron and harp, before the acoustic guitar kicks in, played in a classical style. The music itself kicks in with violin and drums, then the band's early trademark vocal style starts. When you hear this, you know right away you're hearing one of Italy's all-time great prog albums. "Generale" is all instrumental, again going through many different changes. "Il Banchetto" is the album's epic, starting off acoustic, once again, with some extended synth experimentations, and even a piano piece that sounded like it came off ELP's "Karn Evil 9: Second Impression", although "Brain Salad Surgery", the album that song came off, didn't appear until a year after "Per Un Amico".

Apparently Greg LAKE got to hear this album and was impressed enough to sign these guys to ELP's newly-formed Manticore label. No doubt about it, "Per Un Amico" is one of the all-time greats of prog, and is a totally essential album.
PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI Per Un Amico music reviews and MP3 ( Review from progarchives.com)

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Appena un Po' (7:43)
2. Generale (4:18)
3. Per un Amico (5:23)
4. Il Banchetto (8:39)
5. Geranio (8:03)

Total Time: 34:06

Line-up / Musicians

- Franco Mussida / vocals, guitar (12 String), chitarrone, mandocello, guitar
- Franz Di Cioccio / drums, percussion, vocals
- Mauro Pagani / flute (alto), piccolo, vocals, flute, violin
- Giorgio Piazza / bass, vocal
- Flavio Premoli / spinetta, keyboards, organ (Hammond), vocals, Moog synthesizer, Mellotron, tubular bells, clavicembalo, piano

Premiata Forneria Marconi -- Appena Un Po'

PFM Per Un Amico - 04 il Banchetto

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Men Of Lake - Out Of Water

Top keyboard dominated progress rock from this underrated current italian band.

 All tracks are excellently composed played and come across as a mix of Pink Floyd , King Crimson and some Canterbury school too. They also remind me a lot of Frances 'Halloween'.

 Excellent even though because of the language barier the vocals are hard to understand!

Songs / Tracks Listing
1. Vipers (In the bottom of the well)
2. The Day We Met
3. The Dark Little Figure
4. The Prodigal Father
5. Dedicated To Saul Frances Levine And John
6. Strange Sleep
7. The Perception Of The Wind
8. The Ballad Of The Lake

Line-up / Musicians
- Maurizio Poli / keyboard
- Marco Gadolti / bass guitar
- Claudio Oberti / drums
- Mauro Borgogno / lead guita

Most underrated Prog Rock bands MEN OF LAKE (1)

Alusa Fallax - Intorno Alla Mia Cattiva Educazone (1974)

With tracks comprising mostly of just one long suite , here is another excellent band and album from the 70's Italian scene, who unfortunately created, only this, there sole album.

With rich instrumentation from flutes to acoustic guitars and mellotron there's plenty to enjoy here, especially if your into bands like PFM , Yes, Pink floyd etc. Guitars and keyboards particularly shine and Oh!  the vocals are really good too!

Line-up / Musicians

- Guido Gabet / guitar
- Massimino Paretti / keyboards
- Guido Cirla / bass
- Duty Cirla / percussion, vocals
- Mario Cirla / saxophon, flut

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Soliloquio (2:58)
2. Non Fatemi Caso (4:28)
3. Intorno Alla Mia Cattiva Educazione (4:13)
4. Fuori di me,Dentro di me (3:03)
5. Riflessioni Al Tramonto (3:04)
6. Il Peso Delle Tradizioni (1:40)
7. Carta Carbone (3:36)
8. Perchè Ho Venduto Il Mio Sangue (1:43)
9. Per Iniziare Una Vita (4:20)
10. E' Oggi (3:05)
11. E' Così Poco Quel Che Conosco (2:32)
12. Ciò Che Nasce Con Me8 (4:12)
13. Splendida sensazione (5:45)

Total Time: 44:39

Alusa Fallax - Carta Carbone

Alusa Fallax - Non Fatemi Caso & Intorno Alla Mia Cattiva Educaz

Goblin Hell - The Very Best Of Goblin Vol. 2

Fantastic second volume compilation of Horror film soundtrack material from "Goblin" 

 The films are not for the squemish nor is the music. A great atmospheric blood curdling progressive collection of 18 tracks with solid bass, drums, guitars, wailing vocals, sequential synths and crashing drums/percussives which makes there sound so unique. It's not all darkness though, there are some splendid lighter moments to enjoy also.

Goblin Suspiria

Goblin "Black Forest"

Bambibanda E Melodie - Bambibande E Melodie (1974)

Another excellent 70's progressive rock band from Italy who were a reincarnation of "Garybaldi" and who's sole album is a stunner.

 If you can imagine a melting pot of say "Santana" "Jimi Hendrix" "Ashra" and " Agitation Free" this will give you some idea of what to expect. Here are mostly instrumental tracks which range from rock/ jazz hybrids to the more dreamy progressive. All with the  superb melodic electric guitarwork of "Bambi Fossati".

An outstanding album!

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Pian Della Tortilla (15:10)
2. Libera E Felice (6:51)
3. Calabuig! (6:34)
4. Piccolo Gitano (4:14)
5. Mare Delle Terre Medie (7:19)
6. Canto Del Sole (2:07)

Total Time: 42:15

Line-up / Musicians

- Bambi Fossati / guitar, vocals
- Maurizio Cassinelli / drums
- Ramasandiran Somusundaram / percussion
- Roberto Ricci / bass

Delirium - Viaggio Negli Arcip (1974)

A splendid italian progressive band who were often compared to "Jethro Tull" although this is only incidental with the flute. The vocals are certainly no "Ian Anderson" but still great though.

With a mix of songs and instrumentals ; mellotrons, acoustic guitars, flute and sax one could make comparisons to other bands such as " King Crimson" or "Van der Graaf". Evoking more darker moods than lighter ones.

An excellent italian progressive album from "Delirium" and certainly one of there best..

This album is one of there masterworks.

DELIRIUM music, discography, MP3, videos and reviews

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Il Dono (4:17)
2. Viaggio Negli Arcipelaghi Del Tempo (4:45)
3. Fuga N.1 (7:40)
4. Dio Del Silenzio (2:55)
5. La Battaglia Degli Eterni Piani (6:42)
6. Un Uomo (2:06)
7. Viaggio N.2 (4:33)
8. Ancora Un'alba (2:33)

Total Time: 35:31

Line up/ Artists

- Pino Di Santo / drums, percussion, vocals
- Martin Frederick Grice / flute, saxs, vocals, keyboards
- Marcello Reale / guitar, bass, vocals
- Ettore Vigo / piano, moog, organ, vibraphon, Mellotron, vocals
- Mimmo Di Martino / guitar, vocals

Mary Newsletter - Distratto Dal sole (1998)

The key to this italian progressive band is variety. With elements of spacey rock , psychedelia,blues,ethnic and jazz, these mix it all up superbly into quite an exhillerating and fresh brew. A true progressive music in every sense of the word. You will find fantastic songs with excellent italian vocals and band interplay.

Check out "Lontano" a beautfully flowing song with great guitar - a touch "Pink Floyd" perhaps here. Also "M d C" which is another superbly floating, spacey, mostly instrumental which gradually becomes more psychedelic / jazzy, then goes slightly folky into more "Pink Floyd" like territory, and once again those excellent vocals enter. It's not over yet though as we dive into more psychedelic sounds with voices which goes a touch "Gentle Giant" . Quite a mix for sure on this the longest piece. It showcases there style mixing most superbly.

A superb and varied album by a great band.


MARY NEWSLETTER music, discography, MP3, videos and reviews

Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Vis Country? (7:31)
2. Intermezzo per chitarra classica, flauto e bouzouki (1:31)
3. Lontano (6:22)
4. Intermezzo per quartetto d'archi e chitarra classica (1:02)
5. Cattolica (9:20)
6. Intermezzo in modo orientale (1:54)
7. La Danza (3:45)
8. Ricordo (3:35)
9. Le coup de fion (1:13)
10. M.d.C. (13:56)

Total Time: 50:09
Lyrics

Line-up / Musicians

- Mario Valentino Bramè / drums, percussions, acoustic guitar, backing vocals
- Massimiliano Galbani / vocals, electric and acoustic guitars
- Marco Gusberti / keyboards, piano
- Massimo Necchi / bass, fretless, flute, mandolin
- Davide Pisi / electric and acoustic guitars, sitar

GUESTS:
- Marcello Barberi / flute
- Maura Bruschetti / viola
- Francesco Ciech / cello
- Luca Martini / violin
- Daniele Nobili / classical guitar
- Marco Olivotto / vocals, additional keyboards
- Marco Pisi / bouzouki
- Brigitte Raschdorf / german speech
- Stefano Roveda / vi

Cherry Five - Cherry Five (1975)

A spinoff italian band of "Goblin" which produced this fine album of "Yes" like songs with hints of "ELP" and a touch " Gentle Giant" all nicely complimented by english vocals.

This is rich and full sounding lively progressive rock.

Favourite tracks are " The Swan Is A Murderer Part 2" which has very Chris Squire like bass taking the lead and amazingly sounding like "Yes's" " Roundabout" song in parts. Anyone who loves "Yes" will love this i should think!

The complex " Oliver" has lots of organ and really rocks out before a big gong crash changes the mood into a more solemn tone, then bass and guitar/piano/ mellotron goes more symphonic before returning to yet more organ dominated complexities. Excellent!

"My Little Cloud Land" has some really nice "Gentle Giant" like moments - another terrific track with not only the best vocals on the album but the best track too!

A really great record!

Songs / Tracks Listing1. Country Grave Yard (8:18) 
2. The Picture of Dorian Gray (8:28) 
3. The Swan is a Murderer Part 1 (3:53) 
4. The Swan is a Murderer Part 2 (5:07) 
5. Oliver (9:30) 
6. My Little Cloud Land (7:43)

Total Time: 43:19
Line-up / Musicians- Claudio Simonetti / keyboards
- Massimo Morante / guitars
- Fabio Pignatelli / bass
- Tony Tartarini / lead voice

Cherry Five-The Swan is Murder Part II

Formula 3 - Dies Irae (1970)

If plenty of organ and guitar is your bag then this, Formula 3's first album is a must.

This is Italian psychedelic heavy progressive rock at it's best. With hints of "Osanna" " Atomic Rooster" this band has equally excellent vocals and instrument interplay. The guitar and organ combo in particular is quite exhillerating and exciting stuff. The title track "Dies irae" is probably my favourite with that great pumping Hammond organ and fantastic guitar/ vocals.

Yet another super italian progressive rock album which is more psychedelic than most.



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Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Dies irae (7:39)
2. Non è Francesca (3:37)
3. Perché. Perché ti amo (6:07)
4. Questo folle sentimento (introduzione) (1:05)
5. Questo folle sentimento (seconda parte) (2:19)
6. Walk Away Renee (4:30)
7. Se non è amore cos'è (5:11)
8. Sole giallo, sole nero (7:10)

Total Time: 37:40
Line-up / Musicians

- Tony Cicco / drums, percussion, vocals
- Gabriele Lorenzi / keyborads, bass, vocals

- Alberto Radius / guitars, bass, vocals

FORMULA 3 Dies Irae

E. A. Poe - Generazioni (Storia di sempre) (1974)

One of the finest and rarest of 70's Italian progressives."Edgar Allan Poe" were a little different to most other italian progressive bands being somewhat more on the darker and spacier side much like some "Le Orme". All tracks are very intricate with excellent italian vocals and plenty of guitar , keyboard interplay but there are also beautifully dreamy sections as well as the more intense ones. Recalling at times early P.F.M especially on the magnificent "Per Un Anima" track.

The music is as obscure and mysterious as the band and was originally pressed as only 500 copies.

The music 0f E.A.Poe is beatifully balanced with light and darker shades blurring into one. If your into a mysterious progressive music this is a must have! Superb!!!


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Tracks/Listing

1 Generazioni
2 Prologo
3 Considerazioni
4 Per Un Anima
5 Alla Ricerca di una Dimensione
6 Ad un Vecchio
7 La Batalla del Carne Infelice

E. A. Poe. -La Batalla Del Cane Infelice - Generazioni (Storia DI Sempre)

Osanna - L' Uoma (1971)

One of the finest of early 70's italian progressive rock bands. There first three albums are generally regarded as masterpieces, including the one here.

If your after a heavy rock music which is spacey and jazzy then "L' Uoma" will be right up your alley. This is probably my favourite album of there's and really is top notch. With it's excellent complex passages of flute and guitar interplay this really dazzles and delights from start to finish. The vocals are a treat too. On every listen there seems something different to hear which keeps everything fresh and alive.

Although "Palepoli" is mostly considered "Osannas" finest album, this one is a gem not to be missed. I often wonder why this band did not make it internationally, perhaps like "Grobschcnitt" they were a little too eccentric, diverse and out there for most peoples tastes maybe.

To sum up - a fantastic album!



Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Introduzione (3:26)
2. L'uomo (3:34)
3. Mirror Train (4:56)
4. Non sei vissuto mai (6:00)
5. Vado verso una meta (3:15)
6. In un vecchio cieco (3:31)
7. L'amore vincerà di nuovo (6:13)
8. Everybody's Gonna See You Die (3:04)
9. Lady Power (3:56)


Total time: 37:57

Line-up / Musicians - Elio D'anna / flute, piccolo, tenor sax, baritone sax
- Lino Vairetti / vocals, 12 string guitar, harmonica, Hammond organ, synthesizer
- Danilo Rustici / lead guitar, 12 string guitar, pipe organ, electronics
- Lello Brandi / bass
- Massimo Guarino / drums, percussio

Osanna -L'uomo-

Alphataurus (1973)

One of the finest of all italian progressives from the classic 70's . Somewhat similar to other bands of the era such as MUSEO ROSENBACH and IL BALLETO DI BRONZO. Keyboards are very prominent in this rich and expressive music, which by the way is much better than there second album although it's still another splendid album. This one though is really a masterpiece and a true italian progressive classic. The complexities jel so well it's quite an amazing listen. Special mention for the vocals which are very fine indeed and you'll be hard pushed to hear better.VERY highly recommended!


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Songs / Tracks Listing

1. Le chamadere(Peccato d´orgoglio) (12:18)

2. Dopo L´uragano (4:48)

3. Croma (3:14)

4. La mente vola (9:21)

5. Ombra Muta (9:48)

Total Time: 39:29

Line-up / Musicians

- Michele Bavaro / vocals

- Alfonso Olive / bass

- Pietro Pellegrini / keyboards

- Giorgio Santanderea / drums

- Guido Wasserman / guitar