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As far as progressive music goes, my personal favorite is definitely the Italian scene of the 70's. Probably at no other time in history was there such an outflow of incredibly innovative music than in 1970's Italy. The Italians were in large, huge fans of progressive music - in fact, Genesis were a warmly welcomed crowd favorite. Although many English bands were popular in Italy in the early seventies, none were bigger than Van Der Graaf Generator, who were nearly mobbed during their first tour of the country. Although misfortune befell them in the mid seventies, (for more information, see the VDGG interview with David Jackson in Ptolemaic Terrascope's last two issues - write me for more info, I believe I gave the address a couple of articles ago.) Van Der Graaf were huge crowd pleasers eventually playing to a crowd in Rome of about 40,000 fans! Its hard to believe that a band of the talent of VDGG were as accessible to that many people.
Anyway, this will be the first of a multi-part article on the Italian progressive scene, in order to introduce you to a type of progressive music that is hardly classifiable and rarely too similar to any of the English bands that influenced them. I shall try and start with the common ones and get more obscure. For other information on the scene consult Alan Freeman's magnificent article in Audion #15, (I believe there are back issues available from Wayside) this article helped immensely in turning me on to the many one-shot wonders that were prevalent in Italy in the seventies. As for finding them, Syn-phonic has an immense backlog of most of these, and Wayside also carries many of the newer reissues.
The Italian CD reissue surge is an incredible phenomena. Before it began you would have had to pay huge amounts of money for the LPs - much more than what you can pay ($18-$23) for the CDs. The quality of sound is often startling, all of them being remastered for CD with a golden touch - none of them I would classify under 'Good Sound.' And of Course, The Music is all rather amazing...
For those of you not familiar with bands that sing in non- English languages, you may find most of these bands a little hard to swallow at first. If you are new to progressive music, I would recommend that you start with most of the bands that are more commonly discussed on this net. Keep in mind that most of this music is an acquired taste (like good beer), but the more you listen to it the better it gets. If you're uncertain about any of this music, be sure to listen to it before you run out and drop $18+ on a CD. Another note, my comparisons to more familiar bands are only meant to be a pointer to those only familiar with the more common bands and are not to label the bands as "Genesis" copies or the like. Onward....
Most of you should be familiar with Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) through the Manticore releases "Photos of Ghosts"(1973) and "The World Became The World."(1975). These, their third and fifth releases chronologically, are rather inferior remakes, in my opinion, of their second and fourth LPs, "Per Un Amico"(1972) and "L'Isola Di Niente"(1974). To make them more 'accessible' to a 'larger audience', (something that ruins progressive music to no end) the Italian vocals on Nos. 2 and 4 were replaced with rather 'unnatural' sounding English vocals on the Manticore releases, thus taking away some of the magic inherent in the Italian releases. In summary, "Per Un Amico" and "L'Isola Di Niente" as well as their first, "Storia Di Un Minuto"(1972) are all virtual classics of progressive music, obviously influenced by early King Crimson and Genesis yet sounding nothing like them. The instrumentation is superb with fluid guitar, highly original synthesizer sounds (at a time when innovation was at its prime), beautiful violin and flute, and ethereal vocals that are so important to the music, that replacing them with English vocals becomes a detriment. Subsequent albums saw a change in style (mainly for the worse), although "Live In The USA" aka "Cook", and "Chocolate Kings" are worth a listen. My recommendations are for "Per Un Amico" and "L'Isola Di Niente."
Some may also be familiar with Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso (later Banco) who also released two albums on Manticore, the self-titled "Banco"(1975) and "As In A Last Supper"(1976). Again the English vocals don't work as well here, the former being English versions of songs from their first three albums "Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso" (1972), "Darwin!"(1972) and "Io Sono Nato Libero"(1973) The latter is an English version of their fourth "Come In Un'Ultima Cena" (1975). Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso's first three are definitely classics, with a strong baroque feel, dual keyboards, extremely complicated arrangements, and a strong vocal presence (you may like him or you may not.) They definitely take a little getting used to, although your patience will definitely reveal three beautifully crafted masterpieces. "Garafano Rosso" (1974) and "...Di Terra" are mid period albums, almost all instrumental that delve into a more neo-classical realm and are best left for the more explorative. Later albums including "Canto Di Primavera" and the live "Capolinea" are rather poor, the latter including some horrible horn parts. I'd stick with the first three for starters.
For Emerson, Lake, and Palmer fans, who like the three man classical-rock format style will undoubtedly love Le Orme, who's Nice, ELP, Trace, and Ekseption similarities are evident. Although similar, in my opinion Le Orme were the best of the genre who mixed the pompous classical rock of the Nice with the elegance and sophistication of the Italians. Although their first two albums are rare 60's beat-music ones - and are unavailable as reissues as of yet, Le Orme's best albums starting with "Collage" are the ones that followed, all featuring incredible statements for the three-man band format and are highly recommended to any lover of progressive music. Also great are their 4th through 6th including the classics "Uomo Di Pezza", "Felona E Serona" (who's English version had lyrics by Peter Hammill), and their opus "Contrappunti." Others are supposedly slightly inferior yet are all worthy of exploration. I'll list the rest in my last Italian article in which I will try to list a complete discography of bands.
Next up are the progressive fusion band Osanna. What I mean by fusion in this sense is the fusion of many different styles of music in which this fantastic band move from genre to genre with ease. Their first three are masterpieces in their own right. The superb "L'Uomo" in which heavy rock and spacey jazz are only a few of the styles included, the soundtrack "Milano Calibro 9" and their best "Palepoli" which is so bizarre and complex, beginners may be too dazzled by the array of styles presented. "Palepoli" has just been released on CD as has fourth (which I haven't heard) "Landscape of Life." Progressive (as opposed to popular) opinion warns me to stay away from "Suddance" although I haven't heard this either.
Related to Osanna are the numerous offshoots including Uno and Cervello which I will get to later on in subsequent parts, the former not having been reissued yet. One I have heard is Citta Frontale's magnificent "El Tor" which is vocal progressive music at its best in which I cannot draw comparisons because of its uniqueness. The musicianship is superb and the only band that may have anything in common is, well, Osanna!
Probably one of the most famous in progressive circles, Il Balleto Di Bronzo has three albums out, one of them posthumous. Their first "Sirio 2222", a rather average album of Hendrix-esque psychedelic rock may be of no interest to progressive fans yet their second, the widely regarded as superb "Ys" is a no miss. As reviewed before briefly I just want to elaborate that if you like jams that climax in incredible splendor and keyboards that compare to some of Wakeman or Stewart's best works, I think you may like this one. Although incredibly haunting, if you like dark works don't miss this one. I offer these quotes in support: Audion (speaking of the Italian band, Semiramis) "... in the genre only one album I can think of surpasses it - Il Balletto di Bronzo's 'Ys'", Syn-Phonic of Ys "may be the very best ever and who's to argue" and Wayside (speaking of Sirio 2222) "...who would next record the classic Ys." If these leading lights of prog music ever influence your music buying tastes, than you can probably see where I'm coming from....
I should have included this band in the first part but I was in a hurry to finish it and forgot them. Soundtrack-experienced Goblin were one of the least "Italian" sounding Italian bands and were probably closer in style to Mike Oldfield or similar more explorative musicians. Not one of my personal favorites, since I am never enthralled with soundtracks, (execept for Popol Vuh's "Aguirre" or Tangerine Dream's first two) Goblin were above all interesting. Beginning with their first "Profundo Rosso"(1975) Goblin were obviously better suited to soundtrack music than as a studio offering and the majority of their work was in this vein. One of the exceptions, their excellent second "Roller"(1976) is a great blend of symphonic progressive and horror-movie themes best on the lengthy track "Goblin." Their best soundtrack "Suspiria" (1977) was also a good movie and may be the best one to start with mixing a variety of effects into a progressive whole - interesting music. Later efforts, although I haven't heard their rare and unreissued 4th "Il Fantastico Viaggio Del Bagarozzo Mark"(1978) were rather average including the soundtracks Zombi (1978) and Dawn Of The Dead (1979). Reissues of Goblin stuff may be difficult or easy to find depending on where you are located. The first three mentioned have all been available on Japanese CD and "Rosso" and "Suspiria" are also available in Italy.
Goblin also had a couple offshoots including the heavy Flea with their only release "Topi O Uomini", a great album in which the intensity is never dulled. Parallel to Flea was one-shot Cherry Five who also put out a very good self-titled release. Great symphonic progressive and a little closer to the style of Goblin than Fleas, Cherry Five is still available on Japanese reissue while the Flea album is reissued on CD in Italy.
Also unfortunately forgotten were the prolific New Trolls who's every release was something different. Most of these haven't been reissued in Italy yet although their horrible 60's beat debut "Senza Orario Senza Bandeira" has as has the well packaged "Concerto Grosso Per 1 & 2," complete with orchestration and also resembling 60's music although more in the style of Hendrix or the Moody Blues. Their more symphonic albums are on the way to be reissued including "UT" (which has been reissued) and offshoot New Trolls Atomic System who's self titled is one of the best out of Italy ever and beginners may want to wait on these guys until these two are available. Parallel to the New Trolls and Osanna is the band Nuova Idea who's first has been reissued "In The Beginning." This Italian classical rock album includes a 20 minute cut.
One of my personal favorite Italian bands, bizarre Italian fusion band Area have had their first four albums reissued on CD although the first two are getting very hard to find (can any one tell me where I can order them on CD in the US?) All are classics of inventive Italian jazz rock fusion featuring the stupendous vocalist Demetrio Stratos who may have been one of the most unique singers in history. Stratos unfortunately passed away so many years ago. Their first four "Arbeit Macht Frei," "Caution Radiation Area", "Crac!" and "Are(a)zione" are only recommended to the explorative but will reward the listener with their uniqueness.
Fusion band Arti E Mestieri also has had their first two albums released on CD and feature the talent of my vote for the best drummer ever - Furio Chirico. Chirico is so dazzling that you may end up only listening to him if you buy these. Drummers must own these since I have never heard Bruford, Moerlen, or Pip Pyle as impressive as this guy. He literally riffs all the way through these and are worth the money alone for the drumming although the music complements him very well. The names - "Tilt!" and "Giro De Valzer Per Domani" A posthumous live release is also available.
Chirico hails from the band The Trip who's fourth album "Time Of Change" is graced by his presence. The Trip, another three man classical rock band in the realm of the Nice and Le Orme are maybe not as good as the latter but are worthy of note. Although Chirico is not on the first three, their middle two are their best although are not personally my favorite type of progressive music. These, "Caronte" and "Atlantide" are recommended to ELP - Le Orme fans.
Another trio, although not really resembling the usual, is the band Formula 3 who's guitarist, Alberto Radius would go on to help form the great Il Volo. Formula 3 put out four early albums which are all different in style. Probably the only one worthy of high praise is their third "Sognando E Risognando" a highly inventive album who's styles are very diverse.
As mentioned, Formula 3 offshoot Il Volo were a great band with dual guitars and keyboards. Their self titled first was much in the style of PFM, with great vocals and lush arrangements. Their second "Essere O Non Essere, Essere, Essere, Essere!" is a classic, blending the style from the first and adding a fusion element that works brilliantly, As with the Goblin albums, these are very short yet concise works barely going over the 30 minute mark.
My personal favorite of all the Italian albums is Locanda Delle Fate's "Forse Le Lucciole Non Si Amono Pui" I mentioned this one in my ramblings yet the album is so great that it needs mention again. A one shot band that created a style of progressive that was unique and underivative, one that is ethereal and beautiful and one with dynamics that leave the listener in awe. Many bands come to mind, mostly the ones I have listed in my Italian articles yet none of them come across as special as this one. This one is truly a must and IMHO surpasses anything to follow in the eighties. Only available so far on Japanese.
Two shot band Quella Vecchia Locanda were another one of those special ones, that released two albums, their classic self-titled debut and "Il Tempo Della Gioia" Much like PFM yet with more of a violin presence, their classical arrangements were rather overt yet worked beautifully making these musts for Italian collectors.
Another relatively well known Italian band is Il Rovescio Della Medaglia (RDM). These guys released an album in English called Contamination which is taken from their third album "Contaminazione", a classical rock album based on the life and works of Bach. This is a really good one, although nothing like their first one, a heavy album without the keyboards on their later ones called "La Bibbia" a concept work based on the early parts of the Bible. Their second album has not been reissued as of yet.
Another band only having been reissued in Japan is another trio called Latte E Miele. Their great first, an album called "Passio Secundum Mattheum" is in the vein of Le Orme etc. but is much more varied and probably one of the best of the genre. Various styles are experienced and the resulting whole is very rewarding. Their second was also reissued in Japan, "Papillon" - also very good. Both I believe are now out of print. Lets hope they get reissued.
Another classical rock band, Metamorfosi were very short lived, only releasing two albums, the average "...E Fu Il Sesto Giorno" and the classic "Inferno" The latter featuring great use of the Moog as well as other amazing keyboard work, the band puts together an album length suite that is one of the classics in the history of symphonic progressive music. A must.
Only in print in Japan is Celeste's "Principe Di Un Giorno" or just "Celeste" as its released in Japan. A heavily atmospheric work like very mellow "Per Un Amico" era PFM, Celeste's lone release is a beautiful album with great sax and flute and is one of those dreamy albums that is perfect to doze off to at night.
Last for this episode, is the Hendrix-influenced Garybaldi featuring the talents of guitarist extraordinaire Bambi Fossati. Their only reissue to date the album "Astrolabio" features two side long suites, both great cosmic jams resembling none of the previously mentioned Italian bands, but just as innovative. A must.
The bands discussed in this section are for the most part what are known as "one-shots" and were the more obscure of the bands from the country. Thanks to the reissue craze, these discs are about as common as the well-known ones which does the bands justice.
Patrizio Alluminio was the keyboard player for the trio gli Alluminogeni. Their brand of Italian classical rock was in the same vein as the other similar trios - Le Orme, The Trip etc and again are recommended to fans of this genre.
Better than Alluminogeni, are the band L'Uovo Di Colombo who's similarities are evident, but the music in this case is much more original and their creativity definitely stands out. Easily one of the best in the classical rock genre, L'Uovo Di Colombo's self- titled release was released limited edition in Japan so is rather rare on CD, although not as rare as the original LP.
Not a one-shot but a band that released three albums, Delirium were a more original band who were more difficult to classify. These are the bands that hold the most interest for me personally and the range of styles on Delirium's 'Lo Scemo E Il Villaggio' are astounding. Their first 'Dolce Aqua' has also been reissued in Italy.
Polished mellow progressive was the style of Errata Corrige and their only album 'Siegfried, Il Drago E Altre Storia' is proof of this. Showing Italian elegance to the extreme, EC's music is quite beautiful, and as a quartet they show amazing versatility with the instruments they used. The music works very well as a whole and is very soothing and spacious.
PFM sound alikes, Festa Mobile were a little heavier than their more well-known counterparts and the keyboard player happened to be more of a virtuoso than PFM's but the effect is close. Although FM's singer may be a little less melodic than PFM's, the music is just as interesting and a little bit more involving.
Probably the best one in this article, Semiramis put out their sole album in 1973, a masterpiece entitled 'Dedicato A Frazz.' Maybe one of the best Italian albums, Semiramis were incredibly dynamic and heavy and showed a prowess that many one-shots were hard pressed to match. The songs could be slightly redundant to some of you, but this is part of the magic. A tension is created and rarely let up through the course of the album.
For the more avant-garde of the Gibraltar readers, Opus Avantra may be to your liking. Combing operatic, neo-classical, and progressive/classical rock styles, Opus Avantra created a very interesting music that succeeded in their first of three 'Introspezzione' but was less effective in 'Lord Cromwell Plays The Suite For Seven Vices. OA also made an album recently on the Artis label entitled 'Strata'
Another great album is Panna Freda's 'Uno.' Similar to Errata Corrige yet a little heavier in parts, PF's Floydian/Italian progressive is a fascinating offshoot of the genre and is rather engaging, especially earlier on in the album.
Raccomandata Ricevuta Ritorno's 'Per....Un Mondo Di Cristallo' is one that I've found very difficult to get into personally which intrigues me to no end. Crimson is evident here, especially with some of the dissonance that resounds throughout the album, but again this album is unquestionalbly Italian.
Easier to the ears, and related to RRR above, Samadhi created a very interesting style of progressive and at times tends to be the most symphonic of the bunch. Again, a variety of styles are experimented with and again it flows very well. This one I found much easier to get into than the aforementioned one.
In the last three Italian articles, I have thrown at you a number of bands that would interest many of you, and have decided to stop here instead of overwhelming anyone further with descriptions. Bands like Ibis, Aktuala, Picchio Dal Pozzo and Il Paese Dei Balocchi are also just as worthy (if not worthier) of note as many of these bands but considering most of these haven't been reissued (and if they have they went out of print quickly) I won't discuss any further. All of these bands will be listed in the upcoming discography for those of you who can find them. A few words on the Italian 90's scene.
Evidently the Italians also threw out a number of 'neo- progressive' bands that were similar to the eighties scene. Bands like Leviathan, Notturno Concertante, and Fancyfluid are some that I haven't bothered trying out, due to unexcited reviews of them that I have read. These same reviews, though, aren't too excited about neo-progressive in general (Audion especially) and so I wouldn't write off any of these bands if you are into Marillion, IQ etc. Some of you may like these bands quite a bit.
The bands in this subgenre that I have tried out, Arcansiel and Edith, have failed to excite me yet, but this may be because I haven't given them enough time. If they grow on me positively, I will try and relate them to the Gibraltar.
The Italian bands that have grabbed my ears are those that sound similar to the 70's Italian bands - notably Ezra Winston, Nuova Era, and Malibran. Nuova Era, I have reviewed in my first article and may be the best band to come out of Italy since the 70's and even give those bands a run for the money. Ezra Winston are as good, and although I haven't heard their rare first 'The Myth Of The Chrysavides,' their second is an excellent and original release that combines too many styles to remark on, while remaining very symphonic. 'Ancient Afternoons' also has an appearance by Le Orme bassist Aldo Tagilapetra. Malibran, while also good, have yet to mature, their only release to date 'A Wood Of Tales' is rather loose yet shows much promise and many elements of what made the Italian scene so great in the seventies.