ESSERE O NON ESSERE ?

If "Essere O Non Essere" hadn't been recorded by an Italian band, it's inclusion would have been in the jazz-rock/fusion style without any problem. But this is my problem. If you are expecting some flamboyant and lyrical music, you won't get it here.

Complex songwriting, jazzy atmospheres with a light symphonic mood (not unpleasant of course) like in "Medio Oriente" will please almost any proghead but these moments aren't too many on this very short album. The most symphonic number might well be "Essere", but the jazz feeling is also very much present. Some good sax for the finale of this pleasant number.

"Alcune Scene" is frankly experimental for two minutes and then turns completely in a jazz improvisation. The poorest number on this album.

If you are found of the melodious and symphonic Italian prog, you might be somewhat decieved by this record (like I am). It is not easily accessible. To have it categorized this album under symphonic Italian prog is misleading and wrong IMO. There is not a single true symph song on this album. Just listen to "Svegliandomi Con Te alle 6 del Mattino" and tell me where is the symphonic style.

The closing number "Canti e Suoni" might eventually be categorized as symph, but that's a bit too short for my taste..

Two stars.