IO SONO NATO LIBERO

I discovered Italian prog in 1974. Thanks to my cousin Marco (who is Italian). He introduced me to Premiata Forniera Marconi and their great "The World Became the World". In these remote times, it was not easy to buy any Italian prog album in my country (even if Belgium is not Zulu land), nor to see them live.

The first two Banco albums were good ones, and I was hoping a big deal for "Io Sono Nato Libero".

The opening number and epic song is fantastic during seven minutes. I have already expressed my profund love for Francesco vocals. The music is of course complex, difficult to apprehend. The melody is maybe less obvious than other bands from the genre (I know, I am biased with "La Maschera", the first band of the genre I have reviewed). Still, "Canto" delivers great melodic moments. And that's how I love Banco. But it will turn into an almost jazz improvisation during the second half of the song. As far as I am concerned, it could have stopped after 7'30".

"Non Mi Rompete" is a peaceful acoustic song. Sweet vocals...Aaaaaaah, these vocals. This dual vocals / acoustic guitar is truely such a great combination. This is what Italian prog is all about. In My Humble and Honest Opinion. A jewel of a melody & passion. The closing section still, is not very convincing.

"La Città Sottile" sounds almost classical. Again this track is not easy to get in to. Structure is hard to grab. It's almost improv again during the last third of the song. I am missing the great emotion featured in most of the vocal parts of their songs. Nothing to take on a desert island, IMO.

This album is definitely not the one to start with if you would like to discover "Banco". Very tough, too few great harmonies, too weird music. "Doppo...Niente" is maybe easier to approach. Vocals are again so sublime. This album is really saved by Francesco. He is the cement of this album. "Doppo..." is one of my favourite song. Acceptable complexity.

Three stars.