LA NORMA DEL CIELO (VOLO MAGICO N. 2)

"The Rule of Heaven"

So translates the title of "Magic Flight #2" by Claudio Rocchi, one of Italy's most unique solo artists. "Volo Magico N. 2" was largely drawn from leftovers from the sessions of the first VM, which was initially supposed to be a double album. There is no side long suite this time but seven shorter tracks ranging from sentimental and lovely melodic Italian rock to more acoustic acid-folkie sounding material. "Storia Tutti" is a high-minded acoustic track that sounds almost like some Popol Vuh experiment merged with Jimmy Page's "White Summer." The title track is a simple, pastoral prog number with delicate flute. Much of the album is adorned by lovely piano parts in the Italian tradition which is why it appeals to me so much. "Tutti Insieme" throws in some violin and for a moment feels like gypsy-folk music before the piano returns with the same beautiful backing vocals that made the first album memorable. It ends with "Per la Luna's" bongos and sitar, another take on what sounds like George Harrison's infatuations from 1967-68. Rocchi is clearly immersed in the Indian spirituality and mysticism from the trip he takes during this period, and these impressions are all over his music of the day. If you took the best material from the two "Volo Magico" albums and condensed them into a single album it would be a pretty great one. The two albums as they exist are both good albums for those interested in an Italian psych-folk experience but not quite great on their own.

"La Norma del Cielo" is subtitled "Volo Magico n. 2" for its similarities with the previous Rocchi's masterwork (originally thought and conceived as a double album).

Basically it was put together by the label company within outtakes from those session, without the approval of the author (while he was in India). The only exceptions are "Lascia Gesù", "L'arancia è un Frutto d'Acqua" and the title track, written after "Volo Magico n. 1".

It has to be said that "n. 2" is not at that very same level of "n. 1"; it is weaker 'cause there is no rock crescendo. It is instead a collection of warm and delicate hippie songs (with indian atmospheres and wonderful lyrics based on eastern philosophy). Acoustic guitars, grand piano, some mellotron and hammond organ. Flute by Mauro Pagani (PFM), violin, percussions, feminine choruses and even sitar in the last track.

I think the strong point of the album are melodies and deep lyrics.