LIVE IN ROME

Ask fans of the Seventies Italian Progrock about their favorite albums from that era, I am sure that most of them will name Ys (1972) by Il Balletto Di Bronzo, among legends PFM, Banco and Le Orme. Personally I have opposite feelings about the music on that highly acclaimed record: on one hand I am delighted about the sumptuous, often compelling vintage keyboard drenched symphonic rock moments, on the other hand I can't get into the nerveracking avant-garde inspired interludes. For me it remains a bit too complex and too varied progrock album but I really appreciate Il Balletto Di Bronzo their adventurous musical ideas on Ys, in my opinion a 'classic' in progrock history that can compete with Yes, Genesis, ELP and King Crimson their best work! In 2007 Il Balletto Di Bronzo performed as a trio old and new material during a concert in the wonderful historical Italian capital Rome (they also did in 1996, in 1999 followed by the Trys album). First Live In Rome 2007 was released as a CD (2007), now there is the DVD version (2008), you can experience a bit of the magic of that legendary Ys album, 35 years after its release.

The first part of the concert contains five compositions (two from Trys) featuring theatrical vocals, lots of sumptuous keyboardwork (often fat and spectacular synthesizer flights) and a very propulsive and 'groovy' rhythm-section with compelling and hypnotizing atmospheres and obvious ELP hints. It sounds a bit weird and experimental but also captivating and adventurous, perhaps you can describe it as 'an avant-garde version of ELP'. And then ... an abridged version (25 minutes) of the Ys album, now we can enjoy one of the highlights of Seventies Italian Progrock on DVD! Well, this trio comes mighty close in capturing the unique spirit of the album Ys: a choir in the intro and then breathtaking keyboardwork (from swirling portable Hammond organ to flashy Minimoog-like flights) in Introduzione, lots of sensational sumptuous keyboards, theatrical vocals and a wonderful final part with harpsichord in the more complex sounding Primo Incontro, splendid drumming, a (majestic silver plated Fender) bass solo with freaky synthesizer support and a jazzy piano with a propulsive rhythm-section in Secondo Incontro, lots of piano, theatrical vocals and a distorted bass sound in the experimental Terzo Incontro and finally a bombastic climat with drums and organ in the final song entitled Epilogo, what an awesome and compelling sound, I was carried away during this small half an hour tribute to the album Ys, a big hand for this Il Balletto Di Bronzo trio! Then 3 songs I have never heard of but to me the swinging L'Emofago and Il Castello sound very pleasant with spectacular keyboardwork and an adventurous rhythm-section, often reminding me of ELP. An extra on this DVD is a solo performance by singer/keyboardplayer Gianni Leone, I have to admit that I am a bit disappointed about his blend of electronic music and synthi-pop, only Hommage To Balleto is interesting with sequencers and virtuosic play on keyboards. But in general I miss the bombastic and compelling atmosphere without the rhythm-section on the original Ys album and to be honest, a drum-machine sounds so poor.

My conclusion: the first part will not be everybody's cup of tea but I appreciate the adventurous mind of Gianni Leone, the Ys rendition is jaw-dropping, the final part is good but the Gianni Leone solo inclusion fails to keep my attention so I quickly zapp back to ... the Ys rendition .... in my opinion these 25 minutes are worth to buy this DVD!

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