# |
Artist |
Song (click to play) |
Album |
Year |
CD label |
1 |
Murple |
(some part of the first side) |
Io Sono Murple |
1974 |
Mellow Records |
|
A decent Italian prog album that consists of 2 side long
suites. I can hear some PFM influence and also Camel briefly at
the end of side 1. This is a good addition to a mature Italian
prog collection, but, not a necessary item at the beginning.
|
|
2 |
Alan Sorrenti |
Vorrei Incontrarti |
Aria |
1972 |
Si-Wan |
|
Totally whigged out vocals with interesting musical back-drop. The
song here is the most reserved piece on the album. The music
is mostly acoustic, intricate and very dynamic. The album also
features Jean-Luc Ponty on violin. This is truly a vocal album
as they are ever present. Which, in this case, is fine by me.
The music and vocals are perfectly intwined. The music almost
seems to be an extension of the vocals, emphasizing their dramatic
changes. Truly original. I have heard that _Come un Vecchio in Incensiere
All'alba di un Villaggio Deserto_ is also an excellent album,
but, both of these Sorrenti albums are hard to come by, these
days.
|
|
3 |
I Nomadi |
Un Giorno Insieme |
Un Giorno Insieme |
1973 |
Si-Wan |
|
Mellow folky art-rock that is only mildly progressive.
I am reminded of the more mellow songs of Procol Harum
where the vocal melody plays the important part of the
song. IMO, it OK, but, has nothing that compels me to
go back and listen to it often. Perhaps, when I am
much older (about 80), and I need something to listen
to that won't get my heart racing. Well, maybe it is
good as one of those albums to drift off to sleep with?
|
|
4 |
Perigeo |
Nadir |
Abbiamo Tutti un Blues da Piangere |
1973 |
BMG/RCA |
|
Early prog/fusion influenced by Miles, Mahavishnu, Santana,
and Canterbury. I did not find Perigeo brand of fusion too
exciting, but, many other people do. I may need to hear
more of their albums to get an idea of what they are about.
This album has been compared to the first couple of Weather
Report albums, which I have not heard.
|
|
5 |
Latte E Miele |
Patetica |
Papillon |
1973 |
Polydor (Japan) |
|
Latte E Miele's second classic album of classic and ELP inspired
music. I like their first self-titled album slightly more.
|
|
6 |
Albergo InterGalattico Spaziale |
Hymalaya |
Albergo InterGalattico Spaziale |
1978 |
Pick Up |
|
Gothic, gloomy, electronic with beautiful female vocals. The concept
of this album is an anti-nuclear theme. This is a captivating and
meditative album. Once again, to our great misfortune, this seems
to be their only releases. There is also a supposedly similar album
called Telaio Magnetico with the same vocalist and keyboardist in
addition to Franco Battiato. Have not heard that one, yet, but,
will be tracking it down very soon!
|
|
7 |
Nova |
Vimana |
Vimana |
1976 |
Arista (LP only) |
|
Good prog/fusion with strong ties to Brand X. Percy Jones plays
bass, and his playing style really stands out. This album is remarkably
like the first 2 Brand X albums with the addition of some mediocre vocals.
The guitar playing is excellent and even sounds somewhat like John
Goodsall. Narada Michael Walden also plays drums on this album.
|
|