Moon And Cloud Dancing (Celeste, 2025)

If you read even occasionally this blog, you should know how much I appreciate Celeste and their mastermind Ciro Perrino, a gifted composer and musician that never stops his artistic evolution. When it comes to Celeste, once a quintessential Italian prog band, since the late 2010s he's trying to expand the musical boundaries of such a glorious act. Their 2025 album, titled "Anima Animus" continues this effort and offers a varied palette of sound solutions that range from jazz to melodic without even neglecting ethnic suggestions. That said, Maestro Perrino will maybe forgive me if I choose the most Celestial (in all senses) of the album's songs, the closing Moon And Cloud Dancing, a delicate but never boring 12 minute instrumental (with some vocalizations) track. 

This is the sixth Celeste album overall.

First things first, I love the main theme here, a melody that is only apparently simple, which enters the heart and brain of the listener. Then please listen to the perfect fusion of the instruments: mellotron, of course, and then winds, piano, acoustic guitars... everything is designed to immerse us in slow and unstoppable natural movements. Even if this is probably the most symphonic rock song from "Anima Animus", you'll find in it several hints to Perrino's previous experiences, and that's why this track always grows in me and never cease to surprise me.

20.000 leghe sotto i mari (Nuova Era, 2025)

Nuova Era are among my favourite bands when it comes to vintage sounds and classic Italian prog. Walter Pini and his friends are veteran proggers and this 2025 album, retelling Jule Verne's masterpiece novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Seas, is their sixth official release, but their sound is as refreshing and creative as it used to be during the '80s. First things first: the tempo, mood and instrumentation changes are stunning. 

Nemo and friends under the prog seas!

Stately organs, dainty acoustic passages, strong vocals, breathtaking progressions, intricate rythms and of course beautiful melodies... al things Italian Prog are there! Being a 36 minutes suite, divided into 8 parts, "20.000 leghe sotto i mari" is a true musical ordeal, treating the listener with both compositional and performing skills. Each variation introduces a different world and even the marine sound effects perfectly fit into the great picture. All in all, this is IMHO one of the best pages of Nuova Era's flushing repertoire.

Pigmenti (Celeste, 2024)

Celeste doesn't need any introduction: Ciro Perrino's brainchild has its own place in Italian prog scene and since their reunion back in 2019 they never abandoned their melodic, fairy, charming sound. That said, some of the songs in "Echi di un futuro passato" 2024 album (meaning Past Future's Echoes) open up to some exciting new landscapes. That's the case with the opening track "Pigmenti" (Pigments),where Maestro Perrino and his friends successfully merge the band's traditional melodies with jazz-rock passages. 

Degrassi and Mazzeo created this stunning cover art.

Sure, Perrino isn't new at such a taste: he was part of one of the most underrated Italian fusion bands, namely Il Sistema, between 1969 and 1971, but he never dared to import those sounds into Celeste's music. He dares here and that's a very big and welcome surprise! You'll find the same theme going through different treatments: the opening jazz arrangement, a melodic rendition and even an orchestral, symphonic version followed by guitar, sax and keyboard solos! Well done... and beautiful. Not to mention the sweet  sung section and the perfect performances of each musician. Once more, thank you Celeste for being there!

Cascate di cristallo (Celeste, 2023)

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. 

The CD cover painting is by Mara Catelani. It is perfect for what'is inside...

...and this is the LP painting by Ciro Carlo Antonio Perrino. Another beauty!

"Cascate di cristallo" (meaning "Crystal Falls") is simply perfect to me. Not only it enhances the suitably called Celestial Symphony Orchestra 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!

Il petalo del fiore (Greenwall, 1999)

 "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 prog = diverse, 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. 

Mellow Records is responsible for this hidden prog jewel.

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.

Standing Still as Stony Trees (Watcher of The Trees, 2017)

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. 

Four seasons and four colours in this beautiful cover art.

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 crescendo 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. 

Il vento cambia strada (Garybaldi, 2016)

 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. 

A beautiful cover art by painter Pietro Spica.

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!

Lies in The Sand (Raven Sad, 2011)

 Another Italian good band, but not what one usually labals as "Italan Prog". Raven Sad are an eclectic act, mostly into atmospheric sounds with beautiful guitar and keyboard solos. Space-rock, Psych Rock, yes, but with a strong emotional twist. They like down tempo songs, but they know how to rivet their listeners, even in long songs like this one, taken from their third album "Layers of Stratosphere". 

You won't find a more spacey cover art!

Raven Sad master mood changes, something they usually achieve by alternating the  foreground instruments, especially Samuele Santanna's guitars and Fabrizio Trinci's keyboards. Each musical shift opens new perspectives and deeper landscapes, like turning stages. It's kind of discovering new worlds and the sci-fi inspiration of "Lies in The Sand" adds a space-opera dimension to the big picture. 

L'ultimo viaggio del Principe (Celeste, 2021)

This 24 minute suite is a perfect treat for any Italian prog fan. More than this, it's one of the most beautiful tracks ever written and performed by Celeste's creative mind Ciro Perrino. If the band's 2021 album titled "Il Principe del Regno Perduto" (meaning "Lost Kingdom's Prince") explores many different ways and styles considerably expanding Celeste's musical world, this epic surely refers to the band's core mood and traditional inspiration. And they never did it so well. How many beautiful changes, fairy atmospheres and magical landscapes you'll find here! 

Larry Camarda is responsible for this celestial cover art.

Perrino knows how to blend  Vero's acoustic and electric guitars,his own  keyboards (including, of course, piano and Mellotron), Moro's wind instruments and Caputo's violin in a shiny, relieving musical pot. Bertone (bass guitar) and Cioffi (drums) farly provide a discreet and breezy rythmic background to Celeste's graceful tale. Last but not least, "L'ultimo viaggio del Principe" includes some of the best musical themes Perrino ever penned for his progressive act. Sensitive and dainty, these melodies also have a nearly spiritual aftertaste reverberating on the fanciful  lyrics of this track, sung by three different and well assorted voices. A prog gem I highly recommend to you all, an emotional trip on a higher dimension or maybe inside yourself.

With the kind permission of the band, please find here an e-mail for any infos on how to purchase their CDs: ciroperrino1950@gmail.com

Fonte perenne (Celeste, 2019)

Celeste released their first album in 1976 (see the post titled "Favole antiche" in this blog), a record that gained increasing reputation after its re-release in CD format, thanks to Mellow Records. The fairy, gentle and mainly acoustic style of Celeste perfectly embodies the melodic side of Italian prog and their long awaited new album, "Il risveglio del Principe" ("The Awakening of the Prince") resumes in 2019 the same charming features. "Fonte perenne" ("Perennial Source") is a good example of the delightful way Ciro Perrino, the mind behind the band, has to paint Celeste's sensitive universe.

Laura Germonio provided this beautiful artwork for Celeste. 

It's a clean musical watercolour, both vivid and delicate, flowing all around the listener's ears, exploiting a good deal of instruments such as sax, violin, cello, piano and flute, carefully arranged and beautifully blended. A very special mention goes to the keyboard sound carpet (oh, that Mellotron again!) and the delicate percussions, providing the common ground for such a diversified instrumental palette. Last but not least, Perrino's very nice voice gently outlines the main theme of the song, giving the final touch to the big picture. Believe me, this is magic. Progressive magic, that's to say.

About to Fade (AltaVia, 2016)

Italian prog never dies. It even evolves and conjures up new landscapes. This is the case with AltaVia, whose rather eclectic approach to prog never betrays our favourite genre's roots. This track, taken from the album Kreosote, features a fully enjoyable mix of classic prog, space rock and - why not? - mainstream pop-rock. Andrea Stagni's keyboards and vocals follow the narrow and winding path between familiar sounds and contemporary moods, building up a fairy (but never too fragile) musical architecture.

 

Kreosote is the second studio album by AltaVia.

 

The rest of the band is also up to such a tricky task: please take Mauro Monti's hearty guitar solo or the creative rythm solutions provided by Giuliano Vandelli and Marcello Bellina. This everchanging song has the spicy flavour of the Seventies and the fragrant taste of a freshly baked cake. That's exactly the kind of musical food I just can't get enough.

The Silence of Our Wake (Barock Project, 2015)

This Italian band constantly improved since their first album in 2007 and I think their 2015 album, called "Skyline", actually represents a modern masterpiece on the jaunty side of prog. Take this "The Silence of Our Wake", for example, and see how they variate and mix all the traditional prog features into something captivating and new. Their love for classical measures remembers me of ELO, Superttramp and even Sebastian Hardie, but then you'll also find the band's rock side, the jazzy variations and - why not? - the pop temptations.

To top the cake, Paul Whitehead signed this inviting cover!

Sliding down a solid melody, these musicians surprise the listener with an unfailing set of inventions. This track is more coherent and even essential compared with some of the band's previous releases and if it confirms the fanciful and eclectic approach of Barock Project (well, they are barock, after all!), it shows a more careful balance, so that Luca Zabbini and his friends tame their wildest musical ideas and focus on the big picture instead. A very beautiful picture, I daresay.

L'evoluzione (Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, 1972)

This is no doubt one of the most important tracks from the Italian prog Golden Era and opens the second Banco's album, a concept based on Darwin's theories. As the title says it, this long song is about Evolution and it actually evolves from a dense and liquid intro to a bombastic, almost explosive central part introducing a melodic, highly structurate finale. Its 14 minutes or so of duration are full of warm touches, clever interplays, accelerations, slowdowns and assorted surprises.

"Darwin!" in a recent deluxe re-mastered edition.

The concept recurs in the lyrics spanning over the long pre-human era (thank you Mr. Di Giacomo!) and also in in the music, coming in a somewhat archaic flavour, based on the bass guitar irregular beat and on well found keyboard effects. Las but not least, this is one of those rare songs successfully combining instrumental skills and emotional power.

Metamorfosi (Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, 1972)

One of the most intricated songs from the Golden Era of Italian prog, a true classic. This track comes from Banco del Mutuo Soccorso's debut album and spans over ten minutes of classical, jazz and rock variations, including melodic passsages and experimental ones.

Original artwork, remix artwork and an early '70s BMS's line-up.

The magic fusion of catchy pastoral tunes, devilish improvisation-like passages, symphonic interludes and abrupt changes makes of "Metamorfosi" one of the proggest tracks ever. The title says it all: this song is a long and enchanting musical metamorphosis, where the main theme goes through a series of reincarnations, culminating with the sung section and the bombastic finale. What else could a poor progfan looking for?

The Wood of Tales (Malibran, 1990)

This is exactly what you'd expect from an Italian prog band's track: fairy tales, acoustic instruments, mellow melodies, piano touches and, of course, a good mix of Mediterranean sunsets and Celtic mists. Please don't think I'm trying to underrate Malibran, 'cause I love their music. I sometimes need some labels to start an introduction, that's all. "The Wood of Tales" is a perfect mix of unpredictable changes and familiar sounds, an excellent instrumental full of magic and emotions.

The artwork says it all... doesn't it?

All the instruments add their special touch to the big picture, and especially the dreamy electric guitars (yes, there are two guitarists!) and the flute. The vintage mood is obviously strong, and so are the Golden Era references, but there are many modern settings I appreciate more and more each time I listen to this track. And each time I do so, I wonder how a debuting band could be so mature and well-balanced.

La porta chiusa (Le Orme, 1972)

"La porta chiusa" is one of my favourite tracks by Le Orme and comes from their album "Uomo di pezza". After a keyboard-driven intro, a delicate verse gives the perfect "Orme touch" to the song, while the instrumental interplays involving bass guitar, drums and keyboards (mainly Hammond) remind me of this Italian band's main source of inspiration, that's to say ELP.

Ciao 2001, the most influential Italian rock magazine

during the '70s, featuring Le Orme circa 1974.

But of course Le Orme have their own style and even the most devilish progression must come back to a plain and dreamy melody, so that after some minutes of up tempo symphonic prog, here you are a first mellow break, then even a Church organ version of the main theme. Diversified and pleasant, sweet and unpredictable, this song goes on up to the end lining up powerful trio quasi-improvised storms and placid, nocturnal sketches. That's Le Orme, folks!

Lying Here (New Trolls, 1972)

In 1972, New Trolls released  a double album - the first Italian rock double LP - featuring this suite on the last side. It's a brave, uncompromising and moving piece of prog, still standing as one of the band's best works. The choral intro, the flute passages, the Church organ chords, the heavy rock riffs, the jazzy variations, the psych hallucinations... everything you'll listen here will add a further touch to this rich and unpredictable track. All the main inspiration sources that make up a progressive sound are in "Lying Here" and no one seems to rule the game.

No doubt, one of the best Italian prog rock albums ever.

On the contrary, each mood, each genre, each note opens a different  window on the same, beautiful and wild garden. I really can't single out my favourite sections, as this song has the force and the unity of water and can be a gentle stream or a power waterfall exploiting the same element. Even the fake audience effects play their own role in such a nanifold scheme, so... enjoy!

R.I.P. (Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, 1972)

No doubt this is one of the finest Italian progressive rock tracks ever and also one of the most known and inspiring ones. Useless to say, Francesco Di Giacomo's vocals are the first feature of this song striking the listener with their force and passionate tone.The title (to be read as a plural: "Requescant In Pacem") and the lyrics conjure up a gloomy and bloody war aftermath atmosphere and the powerful keyboards add an epic colour to such a sad picture.

 

The debut album of BMS still stands as a prog monument.

Among the countless songs dealing with war and death, IMHO this is one of the deepest and most moving ones. Lyrics, rock music and melodic inspiration are so perfectly melt here to describe the grievous side of human nature that each time I listen to "R.I.P." I feel uneasy and somehow sorry. And when the piano comes in, I'm nearly ashamed to belong to the human race.

Inquinamento (Libra, 1975)

Libra are usually considered as an Italian prog band from the '70s, even if just a few of their thacks actually has prog elements in it. This is the case with this long song titled"Inquinamento" ("Pollution" in English) and coming from their debut album "Musica e parole". This music has a fluid structure, with many musical changes and a spoken set of lyrics in romanesco, the local language of Rome and its Region. These lyrics are about pollution, of course, and about the illegal exploitation of Nature.

Libra were from Rome and also liked jazz rock.

 

The music describes such a corruption in an effective way, gathering sweet sounds and dissonant effects in a surprising but never unpleasant series of sketches. I really like the guitars here, so sharp and so... Seventies! Not surprisingly, their kind of prog will prove itself suitable for movie soundtracks and theatrical productions.

L'Ultima Ora e Ode a J. Hendrix (The Trip, 1971)

The Trip were (better: are, as they came back in 2010) one of the most intriguing Italian prog rock bands and released a pair of excellent albums, one of which was titled "Caronte", that's to say Charon, the ferryman that in Greek mythology carries the newly deceased's souls across the rivers dividing the world of the living and the other world. The title of this song includes anothere reference to death, as "L'ultima ora" means "The Last Hour", while the rest of the song title obviously pays tribute to Jimi Hendrix. 

 

"Caronte" was the second studio album by The Trip.

This epic has a strong classical taste, but also features soul elements and quotes some Jimi's passages. That said, the plot of this song is well organized and highly diversified, lining up dark atmospheres, guitar solos and lively interplays. The melodies are very well written and the arrangements provide the final touch. A church organ closes it all... and it surely matches with the theme!