tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7320597026465236162024-03-06T00:28:32.765+01:00Prog Rock Little PlaceDomenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.comBlogger1137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-85360856821512596282024-02-27T10:27:00.003+01:002024-02-27T10:29:20.094+01:00North Star (Pendragon, 2023)<p style="text-align: justify;">Pendragon's EPs are always worth a keen listening and this "North Star" is no exception. I'll focus my attention on the title track, a suite divided into three movements (I. <i>A Boy And His Dog</i>, II. <i>As Dead As A Dodo</i> and III. <i>Phoenician Skies</i>), whose atmospheric, pastoral and folk-oriented sounds are a coherent follow-up to the band's 2021 full length album "Love Over Fear". Past the late 2000s and early 2010s rougher era, Pendragon are back to their signature gorgeous melodic prog. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Udmi5bzC1J9h1eszbzb4vZCBreyxJmaY28ePIu5UhvgXXCzxpOsk_f9bZVesMjQmY_BD7dVPDFrHvZ2PEL8II6TqM9BOIeoqUqjxyr3ZUeu-OErRLsq_jq65eNBR_R9YPL8CxMQf36dclSIDC5gHgf7769CPZRVTabKubqg2xFY47srAnrQtYcZ-/s1024/a2377502204_10.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Udmi5bzC1J9h1eszbzb4vZCBreyxJmaY28ePIu5UhvgXXCzxpOsk_f9bZVesMjQmY_BD7dVPDFrHvZ2PEL8II6TqM9BOIeoqUqjxyr3ZUeu-OErRLsq_jq65eNBR_R9YPL8CxMQf36dclSIDC5gHgf7769CPZRVTabKubqg2xFY47srAnrQtYcZ-/w400-h360/a2377502204_10.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>...And what a beautiful cover art by Liz Saddington!</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I like that, and I like this suite, where dreamy themes, instrumental sketches ans a perfect blend of electric and acoustic instruments (including a guest violin provided byJohanna Stroud) build up 18 minutes of bucolic and varied music. Nick Barrett is obviously in the foreground not only with the beautiful electric guitar final solo, but also with a wide choice of acoustic guitars and his well known, distinctive voice. The whole track is permeated by the almost spiritual colour palette of the Cornish country, something... out of this world!</p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-81437298973381591412024-01-31T11:16:00.007+01:002024-01-31T11:16:41.387+01:00Sign of The Times (Pallas, 2023)<div style="text-align: justify;">Pallas are like good wine: they improve with each passing year. Their December 2023 album titled "The Messenger" is a very fine piece of prog, full of energy, creativity and, last but not least, beautiful musical themes. "Sign of The Times" is the opening track and it includes all the essential features of the album: majestic riffs, tight progressions, unpredictable changes, atmospheric passages, impeccable performances, an underlying strain and a challenging plot. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOetiJcPhWv2ydYs5oCDxrUVjZTFZtTPkkACnueaj-lPP7otXkT4m2K5fyY_Tzn0qeq5vVRDpXgoFGB2vBDtoscqicXlgzPb1qX30pTw0-kdiK-2lK-5vDPkBZZ8-l7ZWCnJBlIpnDkp0AZCRPRlV8rCNVen5LBow8dkh_uv_1CX6RFmU40Ykpmr0R/s1000/51B6bSn0k2L._UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOetiJcPhWv2ydYs5oCDxrUVjZTFZtTPkkACnueaj-lPP7otXkT4m2K5fyY_Tzn0qeq5vVRDpXgoFGB2vBDtoscqicXlgzPb1qX30pTw0-kdiK-2lK-5vDPkBZZ8-l7ZWCnJBlIpnDkp0AZCRPRlV8rCNVen5LBow8dkh_uv_1CX6RFmU40Ykpmr0R/w400-h400/51B6bSn0k2L._UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Such a beautiful cover art!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The harsh lyrics are well written and perfectly sung by Alan Reed, a singer I adore. How can I describe his voice? Last time I tried to he desagreed, but he seems to me he's like a modern Janus with two faces: an angel and a devil. And I like both. The rest of the band, of course, is also awesome and our friends from Aberdeen are a perfect clockwork, a treat for the pickiest ears. Just listen to this song and you'll be aboard the most exciting roller coaster... don't stop the ride!</div>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-78426719683832567532023-12-29T09:38:00.001+01:002023-12-29T10:07:10.302+01:00Rytter av dommedag (Lars Fredrik Frøislie, 2023)<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> As many of you surely know, Lars Fredrik Frøislie is the keyboard man from Norwegian band Wobbler (see elsewhere in this blog) and a proud exponent of symphonic prog revival. This 16 minutes song comes from his 2023 album titled "Fire Fortellinger", meaning "Four Tales" and aptly consisting of four tracks. I chose this Rytter av dommedag (meaning "The Rider of Judgement Day") as a good specimen of Frøislie's vintage but never derivative music. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKObMdeeYbMgLWLkVDNsx4S0KlLGys5eLwvSvz9bBdb9hUVuInmuUNrV-GCb0OVxC5pPa7S0e5ZWiG6kBA1LT46JeBLW49ZjvGb9CDFrkxHUDKReEN2giFxV6CTUzk9OW9KJWigLaazodc25kyozUN7SS8Iw86RampTF2R3pmYtnLvScZq25omXZ8I/s700/185113349fd5998d52f01c174fcacd9c.700x700x1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKObMdeeYbMgLWLkVDNsx4S0KlLGys5eLwvSvz9bBdb9hUVuInmuUNrV-GCb0OVxC5pPa7S0e5ZWiG6kBA1LT46JeBLW49ZjvGb9CDFrkxHUDKReEN2giFxV6CTUzk9OW9KJWigLaazodc25kyozUN7SS8Iw86RampTF2R3pmYtnLvScZq25omXZ8I/w400-h400/185113349fd5998d52f01c174fcacd9c.700x700x1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Four tales, four images... it all falls into place!</i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It is, of course, an outstanding display of keyboard-based music with a helping hand from <span style="background-color: white;">Nikolai Hængsle's bass guitar</span>, while </span>Frøislie also plays drums. It sure is<span style="font-family: inherit;"> in the wake of classical masterpieces from the '70s, but it has its own atmosphere, well balanced between classical music, folk hints, mildly jazz passages and rock flares. As everything goes through relentless changes, you can't possibly get tired by this musical whirlwind and by the beautiful themes Mr. Frøislie creates. Fairy, suspended passages introduce unexpected storms, devilish solos open on beautiful, peaceful melodies. In one word, this is prog!</span></p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-89880247027632285922023-11-30T08:56:00.001+01:002023-11-30T08:56:44.472+01:00Listen through The Noise (Rainburn, 2023)<p style="text-align: justify;">Rainburn are a gifted Indian band, responsible for a modern, diversified and enjoyable eclectic prog. This track, coming from their 2023 album titled "Vignettes", featuring a new line-up, has a highly dynamic structure and a welcome King Crimson reference many of you will recognize. The rythmic weaving is thick, exciting and full of surprises, The tempo changes are perfect and all the instruments are smart and stingy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJIftb7cZDIXY0P4ywh1GhAkrVbhPBekXN6lC_eNnvOumtsC8UUSS4EhZfUG5Al5ILo_611-iGouUL6xjV32iQdBYJaNu9GOV9EwcgjEmJ8Qdo4wuEVpVejMa74iru5ZHBzXyVetfcahMkxkMfuvaTbUnqOq7mZBbFQ8eNTpJgMF97m1zkokK1iWv/s1000/cover_332820112023_r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJIftb7cZDIXY0P4ywh1GhAkrVbhPBekXN6lC_eNnvOumtsC8UUSS4EhZfUG5Al5ILo_611-iGouUL6xjV32iQdBYJaNu9GOV9EwcgjEmJ8Qdo4wuEVpVejMa74iru5ZHBzXyVetfcahMkxkMfuvaTbUnqOq7mZBbFQ8eNTpJgMF97m1zkokK1iWv/w400-h400/cover_332820112023_r.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Fun and colourful. "Vignettes" cover art is perfect for the music inside.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I also like Vats Iyengar's vocal performace, suitably backed by the other band members. The general feeling is that of a refreshing, modern and open minded approach to prog rock. Rainburn are a worthy band to explore, as their music follows many different paths. Like ol' good prog should always do.</p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-78182682720503379482023-10-31T09:12:00.002+01:002023-10-31T09:14:53.330+01:00Trip (Maciej Meller, 2020)<p style="text-align: justify;">Maciej Meller is a staple in Polish prog scene since the early 1990s, having been a founding member of Quidam and being a current member of Riverside, not to mention the supergroup <span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Meller / Gołyźniak / Duda. This stunning guitarist only released his first solo album, titled <i>Zenith,</i> in 2020 and I especially like this track, <i>Trip</i>, full of atmospheric and dreamy moods. <i>Trip </i>is co-written by Meller and Duda with lyrics </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>by </span><span> </span><span>Krzysztof Borek</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and really is a riveting track to me, combining an enthralling sung theme and a rich electronic background. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lfRPNr5pOe3b0YPKMXoJwK_lN8QifR5OMpOzaPLhe1NZkx17gykml4TKh6hluZiWIfTXN8oPK3BSw9OTpOzGQosSLI4IVESqwUiWlT9nrWhP5ZDASjd-2e_G9X4Q5-i7HtcBBQ4o0kRapa8SeJdJwPCNomz_eCoIN9ZteJ7zNh8TW4og2HIbvXwP/s600/R-15876594-1599415661-7773.jpg" style="background-color: #fce5cd; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5lfRPNr5pOe3b0YPKMXoJwK_lN8QifR5OMpOzaPLhe1NZkx17gykml4TKh6hluZiWIfTXN8oPK3BSw9OTpOzGQosSLI4IVESqwUiWlT9nrWhP5ZDASjd-2e_G9X4Q5-i7HtcBBQ4o0kRapa8SeJdJwPCNomz_eCoIN9ZteJ7zNh8TW4og2HIbvXwP/w400-h400/R-15876594-1599415661-7773.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="background-color: #fce5cd;">This is the cover art for the original album released in 2020.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: inherit;">Some well placed tempo changes and the beautiful instrumental second half (including a slow and piercing guitar solo) grace this track and raise it to the highest level. Just a final note: Meller also released in 2021 an acoustic version of his album and there you'll find a version of <i>Trip </i>featuring an instrumental <i>finale </i>with trumpet and sax. Also beautiful, of course.</span></p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-74961415009284718722023-09-30T22:14:00.001+02:002023-09-30T22:14:33.126+02:00Negative Zone (Negative Zone, 2005)<p style="text-align: justify;">The sole album by this short lived French band is among the best examples of derivative still beautiful music around. Sure, they are in love with Pink Floyd and they re-create all the Cambridge band well known moods, but how convincing and even refreshing are those </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHo9VY0HwbZFy8pUWqeyJTyRTPD_yI6xdiaWtyX8g45Ca9KNvJCzPfeCA7XwnabnQ8J-8tLBmk6dS4V0TxDTpQGKKjX-_s8B1WO-v-CGgWHOAupLA18M1_sVP8eMg7GvFGbjLzKi9g4j_bz6NBNmeIEpeRD4SrnGAlYIKR4z_NOdirqSgJjLI_Tb0C/s1000/51NQi+A1NQL._UF1000,1000_QL80_FMwebp_.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1000" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHo9VY0HwbZFy8pUWqeyJTyRTPD_yI6xdiaWtyX8g45Ca9KNvJCzPfeCA7XwnabnQ8J-8tLBmk6dS4V0TxDTpQGKKjX-_s8B1WO-v-CGgWHOAupLA18M1_sVP8eMg7GvFGbjLzKi9g4j_bz6NBNmeIEpeRD4SrnGAlYIKR4z_NOdirqSgJjLI_Tb0C/w400-h395/51NQi+A1NQL._UF1000,1000_QL80_FMwebp_.webp" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Musea released this album in 2005</i>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The title track is the lomgest and most diversified one, lining up power keys, Gilmour-like guitars, atmosferic moments and psychedelic loops. And, last but not least, some good melodies. Really, it's a colourful emotional trip I strongly recommend to you all.</div>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-91203925373804821952023-08-30T18:48:00.002+02:002023-08-30T18:48:17.601+02:00Another Life Not Lived (Galahad, 2022)<p style="text-align: justify;">2022 Galahad's album "The Last Great Adventurer" was a very, very good one. And of course there were some upbeat and intricate tracks I enjoyed and still enjoy today. But even in prog rock there are momens, lyrics and songs going beyond music itself and giving you a kick inside. Take this one. A suspended, beautiful ballad the band dedicated to their late bassist Neil Pepper (who died in 2011) and dealing with pain, injustice and memory. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinJoPB9EOkdpjEaN5bLFCulubwz1zJ7Y42JZ-sHVE3CNPQtjOZDQ-tbW1t3IbVvdQFewsvhc1G4M09H8uMxbOXElHJsuO0njrbxu9JG0HzAeb1IRRCUSsrhZHfQOlkntHPrrm2FK_PGzDoJ-zNbi_oL38196Bo3y_XWeVc8jUnj5iRklydWGb_N5wQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEinJoPB9EOkdpjEaN5bLFCulubwz1zJ7Y42JZ-sHVE3CNPQtjOZDQ-tbW1t3IbVvdQFewsvhc1G4M09H8uMxbOXElHJsuO0njrbxu9JG0HzAeb1IRRCUSsrhZHfQOlkntHPrrm2FK_PGzDoJ-zNbi_oL38196Bo3y_XWeVc8jUnj5iRklydWGb_N5wQ=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I loved everything in this album, including its perfect cover art.</i></div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">What makes a tribute song a great track is its capacity to get the core of a tragic loss turning a private sorrow into a universal experience. In order to do such a thing you need many things as a good theme, a suited arrangement, a delicate approach and, of course, a heartfelt vocal performance. Now Galahad put into "Another Life Not Lived" all the above and much more and they went directly into my deepest soul. This really is a great sdventure for all listeners, believe me.</p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-61088502494537422572023-07-31T08:45:00.004+02:002023-07-31T08:48:06.299+02:00Al filo del abismo (Praxis, 1987)<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: inherit;">This Mexican band released their only album in 1987. Originally called "<span>La eternidad de lo efímero", this instrumental work was re-issued on CD seven years later by Italian label Mellow Records with a different title, simply "Praxis". Useful to know, one of the members of Praxis comes fron the Mexican well known act Iconoclasta (also present in this blog). "Al filo del abismo" is the opening track, a very lively and intriguing example of symphonic prog, even with a 80s instrumentation. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: #fce5cd; font-family: inherit;"><span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0-bZ75Io28No8wq_KicmB46MguPvgt5LaOGCMqg2R6gMBFfkEjO3i9Dj6C3D4MrmniXKkA8lng0nw4xMXp-1UUkoo2doivR_oIY3CXO-886sFblpwEoTZvL2flsNMdwzEXfeKuz7bjiGyReam1S1cCr8OZfjL9CcqXlFBvM67Ok5Srh8GPdHvLsfu" style="background-color: #fce5cd; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0-bZ75Io28No8wq_KicmB46MguPvgt5LaOGCMqg2R6gMBFfkEjO3i9Dj6C3D4MrmniXKkA8lng0nw4xMXp-1UUkoo2doivR_oIY3CXO-886sFblpwEoTZvL2flsNMdwzEXfeKuz7bjiGyReam1S1cCr8OZfjL9CcqXlFBvM67Ok5Srh8GPdHvLsfu=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: #fce5cd;">I must admit the cover art is as intricated as most of the music inside.</i></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>At first sight, the listener is overwhelmed by the instrumental skills of the band and especially by the keyboard / guitar plots, so swift and dazzling. A further examination will reveal the brilliant work of the rythm section and the clever exploitation of the main theme. If it is true that a different keyboard set would have improved the general effect of this song (and album), but it is also true that each era has its own sounds and some would consider that as </span></span>a further reason to rediscover this forgotten work.</span></p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-86908126535539525232023-06-30T08:41:00.001+02:002023-06-30T08:42:02.352+02:00Vesper's End (The Id, 2017)<p style="text-align: justify;"> The Id are a truly International band, with members coming from different countries and that apparently never met in the flesh. Nevertheless, they released six albums between 2015 and 2019. They play a melody-oriented neo-prog music and if they're in this blog is because I think they know how to do it. Even if their arrangements aren't stunning new and the production is just the best a self produced band can get, they write beautiful melodies and always put emotions first and that's exactly what I like. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUTyiNKh_z84BlLpUbvX9oAWyzlGDK3F1jyt-i-kK3AmgikgCchnFPyjcOMK9VIQEcyov10XuwsWl_2tS6hcW-DpnsiYv6Jmr3ymIR6o6FNJ6OfujUaweEN-ZdMd3_MdEUjKr-Wz8n9V80GTU9sTTqTcqgY1xQbdhxIyCVIfQZKQgdWZZeqRZLNq4F" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUTyiNKh_z84BlLpUbvX9oAWyzlGDK3F1jyt-i-kK3AmgikgCchnFPyjcOMK9VIQEcyov10XuwsWl_2tS6hcW-DpnsiYv6Jmr3ymIR6o6FNJ6OfujUaweEN-ZdMd3_MdEUjKr-Wz8n9V80GTU9sTTqTcqgY1xQbdhxIyCVIfQZKQgdWZZeqRZLNq4F=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>There's alway a disquieting eye on The Id's cover arts.</i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This 20 minutes suite taken from their 2017 album "Confluence 1", is one of their best tracks, IMHO. You'll find here instrumental skills, beautiful tempo changes, catching riffs, enlightening atmospheres and, of course, well found musical themes. The solos are perfectly performed, but they're never showy and always functional to the big picture. Another good reason to love The Id.</p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-10810007834151738372023-05-31T08:50:00.011+02:002023-05-31T09:00:33.693+02:00Esotanc (Yesterdays, 2022)<div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterdays are a very good prog band from Hungarian speaking minority of West Romania. This song <i>Esotanc </i>(meaning "This Dance") comes from their fourth album titled "Saint-Exupéry<span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: #0f0f0f;">álma" and released in 2022. As most of their music, this is a clever mix of different styles, including a Yes-inspired symphonic rock, jazz-rock and folk elements. Multi-instrumentalist </span></span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bogáti-Bokor Ákos is the life and soul of Yesterdays, but all the members add their own skills and the final product is a multicoloured, unpredictable 20 minute pure prog song, including both acoustic and electric passages. </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vvmXrV0QgU6oQdlbe1uXcEmET7yTFqqkCmb8hy2OvEUei6ysvaP--AlQZZrTGmrRBSmFVMynYNe97bby3goIqfe_YTFh6BMVil4_826bNxV2H3a6kKtnJcdiiwG6UafSh5d3gz6C5U7vFG1JYVvsF6UHphb-g5rKN663CH6wIi3H2P7y3PI3AQ/s600/yesterdays-saint-exupery-alma-Cover-Art.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8vvmXrV0QgU6oQdlbe1uXcEmET7yTFqqkCmb8hy2OvEUei6ysvaP--AlQZZrTGmrRBSmFVMynYNe97bby3goIqfe_YTFh6BMVil4_826bNxV2H3a6kKtnJcdiiwG6UafSh5d3gz6C5U7vFG1JYVvsF6UHphb-g5rKN663CH6wIi3H2P7y3PI3AQ/w400-h400/yesterdays-saint-exupery-alma-Cover-Art.webp" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Bogáti-Bokor Ákos is also responsible for this cover art.</i></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: #fce5cd;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Guitar solos and piano passages, a vast choice of keyboards and </span></span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Stéphanie Semeniuc's vibrant vocals, </span></span><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kecskeméti Gábor's flute and some well found electronic effects are just a few of the reasons to listen to this track (and to the rest of the album, as to that). Yesterdays really provide a rare blend of classic prog and new, original sound. Something prog rock always needs so much.</span></span></span></div>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-24683225456144041882023-04-30T10:50:00.003+02:002023-04-30T10:59:34.511+02:00Cascate di cristallo (Celeste, 2023)<p style="text-align: justify;">The few readers I have in this blog, already know Celeste and their master mind Ciro Perrino. If not, feel free to browse my previous reviews. The band's return in the late 2010s confrmed their skills in weaving and perfecting the sweetest and most refined melodies. This song comes from their 2023 release introducing a new and welcome feature: an entire orchestra formed by more than a dozen members and including winds, woods, strings and, of course, a piano. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEHyp6SIey96qjl9Yz9ojEFXxvZe4fTE26Gt7rjR9N2ZD8Y0-Q6ePQi7qCb83SY_5gBBpjGmIhz5RWF9m9_tAx-8X--hBeuBC4_QUkhMYpuYFp--5g0EI3eCcgzDw9TobmYMo1cWcS6lDIR3nI20P3WQjijSAZqF2yVssEKyVRXhl9Iw_goO1Rg/s700/a4037925282_65.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyEHyp6SIey96qjl9Yz9ojEFXxvZe4fTE26Gt7rjR9N2ZD8Y0-Q6ePQi7qCb83SY_5gBBpjGmIhz5RWF9m9_tAx-8X--hBeuBC4_QUkhMYpuYFp--5g0EI3eCcgzDw9TobmYMo1cWcS6lDIR3nI20P3WQjijSAZqF2yVssEKyVRXhl9Iw_goO1Rg/w400-h400/a4037925282_65.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The CD cover painting is by Mara Catelani. It is perfect for what'is inside...</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mQde50ncR88bou_uJeATutHjBAY4UUz8cOd9h_v3Q6TJl6ugBeKLCq959NQ8cr-F4_kZJiwSxQvMtG5NrtvOowjJxF8qmxtV4oxthrp8gSxdLj21mNvTpowoj_RADIeFT4ipvmfpCscUrCKT5_DGbQuQU1KFuRRYa0-AoRKh8cqN1HrxQvxUkQ/s1200/0031734448_10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mQde50ncR88bou_uJeATutHjBAY4UUz8cOd9h_v3Q6TJl6ugBeKLCq959NQ8cr-F4_kZJiwSxQvMtG5NrtvOowjJxF8qmxtV4oxthrp8gSxdLj21mNvTpowoj_RADIeFT4ipvmfpCscUrCKT5_DGbQuQU1KFuRRYa0-AoRKh8cqN1HrxQvxUkQ/w400-h400/0031734448_10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...<i>and this is the LP painting by Ciro Carlo Antonio Perrino. Another beauty!</i></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">"Cascate di cristallo" (meaning "Crystal Falls") is simply perfect to me. Not only it enhances the suitably called <i>Celestial Symphony Orchestra </i>potential, but it includes some of the best and most inspired compositions by Ciro Perrino. The exquisite intertwinings, the elegant themes and the manifold arrangements are a treat for any musical sweet tooth. This instrumental track is not the only pearl in such a beautiful album, but it surely catched my attention on first hearing and proved itself more and more profound during the subsequent listenings. Don't miss this one, my prog friends!</p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-38395260147247424292023-03-31T09:18:00.003+02:002023-03-31T09:18:40.933+02:00Funeral (Mice on Stilts, 2016)<p style="text-align: justify;"> Let's explore something from the dark, even mourning side of prog. "Hope for A Mourning" was the second album by Mice on Stilts, the brainchild of singer, writer and guitarist Ben Morley and one of the most interesting acts from New Zealand in recent years. Sure, the sombre atmosphere of "Funeral" reminds me of some Scandinavian bands from the '90s, but there is a special, thougtful way here, both melancholy and dreamy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgkRrS_05hKFEyEijINwIhMub_bLPQZa_bX73rsnZLLekn4HtpPNxnEcRHT70923K4yk-KKpRz3CakWmTTPmc00Wh2N04YN86WfWP2JAcitJb8H2TVuBDqYvQcuKYSAtzZhhZmszxvSxenk8hM_CcC1jV8PADfC2ve_QV626wHKqEg5ulLPw7Mg/s1200/a0802813157_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgkRrS_05hKFEyEijINwIhMub_bLPQZa_bX73rsnZLLekn4HtpPNxnEcRHT70923K4yk-KKpRz3CakWmTTPmc00Wh2N04YN86WfWP2JAcitJb8H2TVuBDqYvQcuKYSAtzZhhZmszxvSxenk8hM_CcC1jV8PADfC2ve_QV626wHKqEg5ulLPw7Mg/w400-h400/a0802813157_10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>What a beautiful and inspiring cover art!</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Despite the mournful titles of both the song and the album, there is less proper grief than spiritual abandon in this music, like in a misty dawn over still waters. It's an intimate journey, a dreamlike meditation and still we're far from the minimal approach of ambient music. The melody line and the arrangements are rich and set on a slow paced <i>crescendo</i> that drags the listener's soul through dramatic landscapes and a growing sense of wonder. A beautiful, enriching experience.</p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-8578742289763599352023-02-28T19:59:00.005+01:002023-02-28T20:05:48.642+01:00Time Capsule (Arena, 2022)<p style="text-align: justify;"> This was one of the first tracks Arena released from their "The Theory of Molecular Inheritance" album and one of the more diversified ones. The album was based on a tricky concept about a scientist able to riproduce the genius of dead people into living brains. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin058yvcoJ9kUrcYiEwTg3ITCblsLdzJ0JHvw0tZ9BkgUHGhsMcO2vNtXle_mk2jCtdXooXULNEF17XGIseUZOl29cfBAMwJ1pztp-4k_bwem4ggx5NvgUaAAKAmnZaSNH3qTti9C8XptWCgDl95lTFkbCR7xchDfzDmPMYjGgOD_yIEC6xVFtzg/s599/R-24684707-1666952902-5517.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="546" data-original-width="599" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin058yvcoJ9kUrcYiEwTg3ITCblsLdzJ0JHvw0tZ9BkgUHGhsMcO2vNtXle_mk2jCtdXooXULNEF17XGIseUZOl29cfBAMwJ1pztp-4k_bwem4ggx5NvgUaAAKAmnZaSNH3qTti9C8XptWCgDl95lTFkbCR7xchDfzDmPMYjGgOD_yIEC6xVFtzg/s320/R-24684707-1666952902-5517.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Arena publish on their own Verglas label.</i></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">This is a surprising song, including both hard and melodic passages, all perfectly melt into a coherent sound. Mitchell vocals are stunning and, of corse, all the band are there to show their skills. Pure prog, folks!</span></p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-3033579140000723412023-01-31T13:41:00.001+01:002023-01-31T13:41:24.642+01:00Il petalo del fiore (Greenwall, 1999)<p style="text-align: justify;"> "Il petalo del fiore" (meaning "The Flower's Petal") is a na long suite (nearly 34 minutes) split into two tracks and six movements by the Italian act Greenwall, the brainchild of keyboard player Andrea Pavoni. It comes from the band's debut album and proves once more the equation <i>prog = diverse</i>, probably the only mathematics thing I perfectly understand. Keyboards are obviously the main course of this song, but if the piano driven sections are my favourite ones, I also like the way other instruments come in and draw a colourful fresco all around me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D7cDB3veLXvDV3RAxFRPPbYoZ4rb8NL1Siy3Ng3O6kTYl_qxJ9sF3v0KXZeZzu3IHyVZoQbgxKTwNUXVqmoAkxgABv1mCQ5XiFwcdnGjEpu-gFrRd_Xx8_Uu8q8b8EzGudKTR3OXkxW4BGmGNYvXZJ0Hdvi07mkFje7ZGtPDBQ6zV-_Rnx0d2g/s640/ab67616d0000b273c9a4b7e6e57187453b18d3fd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6D7cDB3veLXvDV3RAxFRPPbYoZ4rb8NL1Siy3Ng3O6kTYl_qxJ9sF3v0KXZeZzu3IHyVZoQbgxKTwNUXVqmoAkxgABv1mCQ5XiFwcdnGjEpu-gFrRd_Xx8_Uu8q8b8EzGudKTR3OXkxW4BGmGNYvXZJ0Hdvi07mkFje7ZGtPDBQ6zV-_Rnx0d2g/w400-h400/ab67616d0000b273c9a4b7e6e57187453b18d3fd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Mellow Records is responsible for this hidden prog jewel.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Fabio Nani's guitars are simply perfect here in both electric and acoustic moments, even where a dreamy mandolin comes in. I like the wide range of musical writing, spanning from well found (and so Italian) melodies to groovy, nearly spoken lines, not too far from the '70s singers-songwriters way. Furthermore, you'll find complex and symphonic parts along with ethereal, minimal phases. That's the perfect solution to the above equation.</p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-59093924062269565992022-12-30T09:56:00.001+01:002022-12-30T09:56:06.670+01:00Universal (Anathema, 2010)<p style="text-align: justify;"> Arguably one of my favourite tracks by Anathema, "Universal" has a very atmospheric mood, a beautiful musical theme, a dreaming guitar, some splendid keyboards and even a shoegaze-like section. No doubt, when it comes to slow paced and majestic sounds this Liverpool band is among the best you can find over there. Not only they know how to write and perform good music, but they also have sort of a Mida's touch and they totally deserve their success. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5Z0oFuMvTdC0EqyuB1Cnl7P9lOYKTO3c8v2HuMivIBGScFTro15i5JFStrHE4INimQdQ7VdyNN-b2XckkGS66uRdW-QNMscPVFM7KpaFfy9DCBgZ2bnOCZRgnRIM-9XPrU28gMwExhIw_LBcVl1CNpGcZ9SVYb4icHksDc0TQPTv8-OFVoqZUg/s568/D_NQ_NP_757271-MLA31028565538_062019-W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="549" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj5Z0oFuMvTdC0EqyuB1Cnl7P9lOYKTO3c8v2HuMivIBGScFTro15i5JFStrHE4INimQdQ7VdyNN-b2XckkGS66uRdW-QNMscPVFM7KpaFfy9DCBgZ2bnOCZRgnRIM-9XPrU28gMwExhIw_LBcVl1CNpGcZ9SVYb4icHksDc0TQPTv8-OFVoqZUg/w386-h400/D_NQ_NP_757271-MLA31028565538_062019-W.jpg" width="386" /></a></div><i>"We're Here..." was Anathema's eighth studio album</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Take this track (from "We're Here Because We're Here" album), for example: it flows away like springy water and cleverly skips redunancy thanks to a series of slight and effective changes, consistent and surprising at the same time. Building up a song is never easy, but Anathema know how to handle this and how to mix prog rock and mainstreap pop. Brilliant!</p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-88882236071169810952022-11-30T10:53:00.005+01:002022-11-30T11:00:03.761+01:00Bet On Zero (The Aaron Clift Experiment, 2023)<div style="text-align: justify;">Here's an unusual way to conceive rock, an open-minded, border-free, well thought out way. In a word, the most prog approach to music. The Austin-based Aaron Clift Experiment (you'll find more reviews about them in my blog) are an eclectic and creative ensemble formed by Mr. Clift himself, always attracted to experimentation, but never hermetic or puzzling. They like good music and they like to communicate their emotions via their songs, something I highly appreciate. Last but not least, they're very skilled performers, which one shouldn't take for granted.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUT5ZTvIbV8a2Y_zzHKpgQE8vhZVGmNXl1R3nhTR6UvY5kEClQZb-35e92weeO6evciCH7Wh0HMCCINI9xHapGnqiDonnIl8O3hjoI0HPWS0kJ3u9Nx5BZh3AMeQxk0yf8qqNC1rhVgCgkASYg74LsVhA8kxqFBnEQP5Gs9Bw2o5fW9KMMlAglQ/s1080/The-Age-of-Misinformation-Front-Cover-with-text-Lo-Res.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUT5ZTvIbV8a2Y_zzHKpgQE8vhZVGmNXl1R3nhTR6UvY5kEClQZb-35e92weeO6evciCH7Wh0HMCCINI9xHapGnqiDonnIl8O3hjoI0HPWS0kJ3u9Nx5BZh3AMeQxk0yf8qqNC1rhVgCgkASYg74LsVhA8kxqFBnEQP5Gs9Bw2o5fW9KMMlAglQ/w400-h400/The-Age-of-Misinformation-Front-Cover-with-text-Lo-Res.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Fumihito Sugawara is responsible for this beauticul cover art.</i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This track is taken by their (forthcoming, when I write this review) 2023 "The Age of Misinformation" album and features the Big Wy's Brass Band, a wonderful addition to the band's line up. It's a jazzy, even soul prog rock, displaying a well written main theme and a beautiful instrumental bridge, including a sax solo followed by an enthralling jazz rock instrumental section, and ending with an excellent drum <i>tour de force</i>. The swinging <i>finale </i>is another highlight of "Bet on Zero" and I bet you'll like the whole song (and the whole album, as a matter of fact).</div>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-56280759410795073872022-10-31T17:13:00.002+01:002022-10-31T17:14:25.155+01:00Vertigo (The Flower Kings, 2019)<p style="text-align: justify;">The Flower Kings' <i>Waiting for Miracles </i>is one of my favourite albums by Roine Stolt's band and this for its good taste and musical balance. Never too showy, never too trivial, this 2019 release includes some well structured and even better composed songs. Intricated as only prog can be, but also full of melodies and lively rythmic lines.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUNnYaX_vwIsxMAaLIDHTGJHxZrCxCOw2R8r0C5kBwgXlC_5p7QJwyjrJkcW99frhVIlHlH7QoCys7qHVGpC56rxvVaFQImyL2YFWrepdPOlktu95STGCBsB5yboJXDPWJgKqERsdHyaBKkmMroRtLn0TndaSb1rjN0bCUTSpQ3YjNnKFZajkNA/s700/THE-FLOWER-KINGS-Waiting-For-Miracles-700x700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUNnYaX_vwIsxMAaLIDHTGJHxZrCxCOw2R8r0C5kBwgXlC_5p7QJwyjrJkcW99frhVIlHlH7QoCys7qHVGpC56rxvVaFQImyL2YFWrepdPOlktu95STGCBsB5yboJXDPWJgKqERsdHyaBKkmMroRtLn0TndaSb1rjN0bCUTSpQ3YjNnKFZajkNA/w400-h400/THE-FLOWER-KINGS-Waiting-For-Miracles-700x700.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the best cover arts by The Flower Kings, IMHO.</i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>Vertigo </i>is one of those pearls: it features not only a catchy and majestic main theme, but also a very long and charming musical section, where Roine Stolt performs one of his best guitar solos ever. And that's saying something. While the rest of the band weaves a colourful tapestry of sounds, our Swedish guitarist makes us fly on his magical broomstick swinging between stingy accents and pure poetry. Flesh and spirit all at once. </p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-27322110926267106202022-09-30T11:44:00.004+02:002022-09-30T11:46:51.468+02:00Reyes en guerra (Redd, 1978)<p style="text-align: justify;">Redd were from Tucum<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ansi-language: IT; mso-bidi-language: IT; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: IT;">á</span>n, Argentina, and they were strongly influenced by King Crtimson and other early English prog bands. That said, they had their own way to approach prog rock, with a beautiful mix of electric and acoustic instruments, calm and evocative sung sections, impressive and sensitive percussions and some dreamy, liquid guitars. During their career they released just one album titled "Tristes noticias del imperio" (Sad news from the Empire), even if a second LP was recorded in 1979 but only released twenty years later by a Brazilian label. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyf0t-UgXNokJe6Kqu64FWwxJqRYPsgtk7myHlwKRUXdcqrv1Sk3D2dW6264vPkFaIB4NOluuFGSO6cCExoP2fFhzr_Fk55fKY6N93boAFKQ_gHHQeAEU6rVJfINED_Md89L9AgEFD7Y-D70cMD8_dDuC6aegDPfXAFJpRbN9yjhGTZv-QZUObog/s640/ab67616d0000b2730e80855642823573c0f717a5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyf0t-UgXNokJe6Kqu64FWwxJqRYPsgtk7myHlwKRUXdcqrv1Sk3D2dW6264vPkFaIB4NOluuFGSO6cCExoP2fFhzr_Fk55fKY6N93boAFKQ_gHHQeAEU6rVJfINED_Md89L9AgEFD7Y-D70cMD8_dDuC6aegDPfXAFJpRbN9yjhGTZv-QZUObog/w400-h400/ab67616d0000b2730e80855642823573c0f717a5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A black and white, essential cover... but there a colours inside!</i></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">This track, "Reyes en guerra" (Kings at war), opens their debut album and perfectly represents their style, epecially their mellow side. When I listen to such bands as Redd I wonder how many hidden treasures prog will uncover to my ears in due time... </p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-70485802214895748512022-08-30T09:29:00.004+02:002022-08-30T09:29:46.170+02:00In My World (The Moody Blues, 1981)<p style="text-align: justify;"> Justin Hayword wrote this song for Moody's too underrated album "Long Distance Voyager", a proud progressive flag (with some eighties additions) in the genre's darkest years. This ballad is a pefect blend of a folk rooted theme and brilliant arrangements, a rather long ballad with bluesy and country echoes and an extended, beautiful and fully progressive instrumental coda. Old school music, yes, but also state of the art sounds, never boring solutions and that Moody's magic touch! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSO2HKbrK3TopfGq9TCCKnLcK8GEf8cO_EYzZvlcKvIEsQfDuMCwgQ1GowhYbJ95vYww7fnSNPsPqfvYVmUMKFnUMMhFQwTV3msxd3r5POy-bhaNbWzSfAGH_-7ibD39CQ-ig2ArH53qAMRMisrouWy3gcabKcj6RFR0UFW9D6pymq5iK49Lc4Q/s640/ab67616d0000b273747d1b01d31707537436e5e9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="640" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSO2HKbrK3TopfGq9TCCKnLcK8GEf8cO_EYzZvlcKvIEsQfDuMCwgQ1GowhYbJ95vYww7fnSNPsPqfvYVmUMKFnUMMhFQwTV3msxd3r5POy-bhaNbWzSfAGH_-7ibD39CQ-ig2ArH53qAMRMisrouWy3gcabKcj6RFR0UFW9D6pymq5iK49Lc4Q/w400-h399/ab67616d0000b273747d1b01d31707537436e5e9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...<i>Always been in love with this cover drawing!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Even if the main theme is always there, you never get tired as the band re-work it through an ever changing sound palette. It's a dreamy experience, a fluid, transparent, refreshig stream getting more and more addictive and reaching its emotional peak during the final instrumental section. Another fine example of what a love song can turn into when Moody Blues are concerned.</span></div>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-73800831791342189172022-07-31T13:52:00.005+02:002022-07-31T13:52:35.714+02:00Odisseia para Sirius (Ultranova, 2022)<p style="text-align: justify;">This track, released in 2022 as a download single, confirms the Brazilian act Ultranova among the finest representatives of instrumental prog in the 21st Century. Their debut album <i>Orion </i>(2019) was a promising effort, but they seem to improve day to day. This "Odyssey to Sirius" is an epic and enjoyable piece of music, full of keybooard / guitar interplays, well found changes and liquid solos. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvQW-qlu5zPHi-b7BQG5ZwsJWbaG4DI0PEQ_Pnp5Zs4V79pIniBrMbgupbivopYwrt7rzpDj_TBEPYj34qgucVDrccrwV03zSJNegTaq2FCRMxagdRDLULjVfFNPmSdxfhJyLi_Lu5sXM2hweJPCb2CgUbA4emY4Dmc7SaDCcnC4KX1eLcQkm-A/s249/U64468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="249" data-original-width="249" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqvQW-qlu5zPHi-b7BQG5ZwsJWbaG4DI0PEQ_Pnp5Zs4V79pIniBrMbgupbivopYwrt7rzpDj_TBEPYj34qgucVDrccrwV03zSJNegTaq2FCRMxagdRDLULjVfFNPmSdxfhJyLi_Lu5sXM2hweJPCb2CgUbA4emY4Dmc7SaDCcnC4KX1eLcQkm-A/w400-h400/U64468.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>A mythical journey, as this beautiful cover art...</i></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Ultranova have their own style, but you'll find some Camel, Jade Warrior and Jethro Tull hints here, and a surprising melting pot including folk jeegs, electronic atmosphere and cinematic moments. Full of colours like their Country, rich in sense of wonder like their favourite music and tasty like their instrumantal skills, Ultranova's sound is the living proof that good prog rock will never die.</p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-46773684602645245352022-06-30T22:15:00.005+02:002022-06-30T22:16:28.384+02:00Up to Me (Jethro Tull, 1971)<p> When I think of a perfect prog ballad, full of true emotions and a wonderful melody, one of my first choices surely is "Up to Me", the closing track of the first side of Jethro Tull's "Aqualung". Even if the musical theme has a mellow and somehow folk flavour, there's an underlying tension all through the song, provided by Ian Anderson's powerful vocals and Martin Barre's guitar. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrb4teDlE2s8QqUv3Zd5MvBqD52OzyvNH77VBgq8__qqf4o4QO9xJbrC6XwdNLStBazMTY9WxqWmw5tGD_RXIA3GX1M9APtc_1YnjbTkCr6EO582UQicdEmuYimDhhHerD56D1g7MFnoebh_rCe7c_kg5MadBjzSjznK8_NnxtSNldlgs56KFTA/s300/jethro_tull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="300" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPrb4teDlE2s8QqUv3Zd5MvBqD52OzyvNH77VBgq8__qqf4o4QO9xJbrC6XwdNLStBazMTY9WxqWmw5tGD_RXIA3GX1M9APtc_1YnjbTkCr6EO582UQicdEmuYimDhhHerD56D1g7MFnoebh_rCe7c_kg5MadBjzSjznK8_NnxtSNldlgs56KFTA/w400-h317/jethro_tull.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Jethro Tull in the early Seventies.</i></div><p>Mostly acoustic as it is, "Up to Me" is a powerful, biting song, also graced by a beutiful flute riff. If you can put so many things in a three minute song... well, you're great. And of course that's what Jethro Tull are.</p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-66572747820319116122022-05-31T09:24:00.005+02:002022-05-31T09:24:41.108+02:00Space Cowboy (Gazpacho, 2020)<p style="text-align: justify;">Gazpacho refined their own kind of prog all along their career, mixing atmospheric mood, some majestic arrangements and bits of heavy rock from time to time. They're always enjoyable and highly professional, but you need more to set up a beautiful song. And when they find these bonus ingredients they really are perfect to me. The "bonus" are, of course, good melodies. You'll find at least two in this suite titled <i>Space Cowboy</i> and coming from the 2020 album <i>Fireworker</i>. And that's not all. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEjSvidvhTGwpcGt7kbQHb23V_bfSi3TFgW-M3YCJLh8KxDV45-3Ii0oXVZhBQgvftRHQcvcPnY31aufHFIyB1FvAnCJPD6YTb29DkwlRPbVztWx_jPcXg8i8dixTQKOvmEvWH-dqBy6QMp22IZChO55I4d-kZ-9T2-lcKeECgF2nRZp92KzbAw/s252/gazpacho_1609264002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="252" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEjSvidvhTGwpcGt7kbQHb23V_bfSi3TFgW-M3YCJLh8KxDV45-3Ii0oXVZhBQgvftRHQcvcPnY31aufHFIyB1FvAnCJPD6YTb29DkwlRPbVztWx_jPcXg8i8dixTQKOvmEvWH-dqBy6QMp22IZChO55I4d-kZ-9T2-lcKeECgF2nRZp92KzbAw/w400-h400/gazpacho_1609264002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Another beautiful cover art by Antonio Seijas. </i></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The band master here some interesting (and sometimes dangerous) elements like a powerful choir and a strong diversity between the track's different parts. Both these peculiarities demand a solid sense of proportion, but Gazpacho have the experience and the right taste to succeed in such a task. That's why this suite flows like a beautiful river passing through many different landscapes and growing more and more stimulating each time you listen to it. The lyrics about the hidden animal insinct inside men (the concept of the whole album) and the way this human trait goes through eras and generations adds some more food for thought. What else should we ask?</p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-39465683246396547302022-04-04T12:02:00.001+02:002022-04-11T07:57:40.970+02:00Standing Still as Stony Trees (Watcher of The Trees, 2017)<p style="text-align: justify;">The Watcher of The Trees is the brainchild of Italian composer and multi-instrumentalist Dario Marconcini. Based on the banks of Garda Lake, Marconcini was inspired by the spiritual and ancestral beauty of the surrounding forests and after several experiences in local bands (namely The Electric Shields and Moonshiners), he decided to go solo with a new moniker and released "Fireflies in The Wood", an album where the woods - and mostly the trees - act as main charachters along the passing of the seasons. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLoPE0PhssfOC9i46m7NYVZ3oA8NZi7_L1YIucLKYOEDEl8u558Gde4ayMkMPmeoC1I5k10b3BbzhS7sCBCzZCo1zbm2_8_xxn6Z0aDF57grLE1kOGc_Jv9CK1tgvEg1m1aBWZUeVccfg1te8nQzG-1e4wCC6E6FZ7q9iwTVlxj22tRST89TDPQ/s252/R-11299029-1513704079-7396_1516015309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="252" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLoPE0PhssfOC9i46m7NYVZ3oA8NZi7_L1YIucLKYOEDEl8u558Gde4ayMkMPmeoC1I5k10b3BbzhS7sCBCzZCo1zbm2_8_xxn6Z0aDF57grLE1kOGc_Jv9CK1tgvEg1m1aBWZUeVccfg1te8nQzG-1e4wCC6E6FZ7q9iwTVlxj22tRST89TDPQ/w400-h400/R-11299029-1513704079-7396_1516015309.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Four seasons and four colours in this beautiful cover art.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I especially liked "Standing Still as Stony Trees" not only because I find here so many and welcome prog hints, but especially for its majestic <i>crescendo</i> and the perfect balance of peaceful and up-tempo moments. Unlike many similar projects and despite his patent performing skills, Marconcini's music focuses on emotions and you'll find here all the wonder and the thrill of an inner discovery: instruments, melodies, words and arrangements merge to move the listener. And frankly I'm moved. </p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-70676529789245640182022-03-31T12:26:00.001+02:002022-03-31T12:26:06.986+02:00Friends I + II (Turdetans, 2020)<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Turdetans are a Spanish prog band from <span style="background-color: white; color: #202124;">Alcalá de Guadaíra</span><span style="background-color: #dfe2e2; color: #363636;">,</span> in the Seville area, a very important prog province, I daresay, home of Triana, Guadalquivir, Smash and many more. And after all their name comes from the ancient inhabitants of their region. This time, don't expect a resurgence of rock andaluz: these musicians like to blend with skill all the faces of prog rock to create a fascinating sound, rich and diversified. Acoustic blue skies, fluid and captivating, are suddenly perturbed by electric and even metal storms, folk rains or symphonic winds. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnYV4vmRh3TJkdWET5uAI9GvmIapD247g9MJ4IFWkWiaZlUF_hDvqEDhqoP_d22IkHnh6fwu8YCA7puUVSfs4i5iOUKyskarjRpCONq-4NZ0YcEwoiAwMmFcF1JybmsS2piJezph3y8hD0ibMwBn2WStk5yFiH3SBGU7W6scxowXph9CqbuSMMw/s225/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsnYV4vmRh3TJkdWET5uAI9GvmIapD247g9MJ4IFWkWiaZlUF_hDvqEDhqoP_d22IkHnh6fwu8YCA7puUVSfs4i5iOUKyskarjRpCONq-4NZ0YcEwoiAwMmFcF1JybmsS2piJezph3y8hD0ibMwBn2WStk5yFiH3SBGU7W6scxowXph9CqbuSMMw/w400-h400/download.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The album's cover beautifully refers to the work's main topic of dreams.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A treat, as this little suite called "Friends" will easily prove. You'll be surprised to discover how Turdetans set up a consistent and well balanced track in spite of all the changes in time, volume, mood and instrumentation they play out. Such an achievement comes from the perfect fusion of excellent melodies and genuine energy. "Suite of Dreams" in their only album to date, but we can only hope it will soon be followed by more releases</span></p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-732059702646523616.post-42491526916099693832022-02-28T10:36:00.000+01:002022-02-28T10:36:05.209+01:00Il vento cambia strada (Garybaldi, 2016)<p style="text-align: justify;"> I'm usually wary when it comes to resuscitate old bands and old musical styles, so I must confess that I put off the purchase of Garybaldi's "Storie di un'altra città" ("Other Towns' Stories") album. And I was wrong. Not only it proved to be a very good work tro my ears, but I appreciated the variety and liveliness of these songs, the humour and the cleverness of the band, mostly based on new and skillful members. You'll find here all the different facets of '70s Italian Prog: jazzy moods, the acoustic feelings, mellow moments and of course rock edges. All in. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLoIe8Go0bBLSZPkVdbB2Hm6PAALCWWOy0IFX4JE3b5YL1IVn5LzC0UGg_J89uqFHLpRO6Syccb3XWP9QvDSmVp9RwH26NQaEnfLOvacNuCZFOokhLts03ZcsAS9oJaQSC5nHn1sJz_JTJyvh7ejWbEciUwRtYmCweKo7-_miDz94maSowVfvRMw=s300" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLoIe8Go0bBLSZPkVdbB2Hm6PAALCWWOy0IFX4JE3b5YL1IVn5LzC0UGg_J89uqFHLpRO6Syccb3XWP9QvDSmVp9RwH26NQaEnfLOvacNuCZFOokhLts03ZcsAS9oJaQSC5nHn1sJz_JTJyvh7ejWbEciUwRtYmCweKo7-_miDz94maSowVfvRMw=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A beautiful cover art by painter Pietro Spica.</i></div><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;">I chose for my blog the closing track, a fully melodic ballad reminding me Le Orme or some of the sweetest PFM's songs, but with a slightly acid bonus touch. There are many instruments, including a guest string duo, melancholy keyboards and both acoustic and electric guitars. The bass lines are provided by Angelo Traverso, not exactly a guest musician, being a member of pre-Garybaldi band Gleemen. For sure, "Il vento cambia strada" (meaning "The Wind changes direction") is a magical trip. And this is not vintage.... this is evergreen music!</p>Domenico D'Alessandrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05168842449421465869noreply@blogger.com1