SAMADHI

This is the little silent record from the glory years of the Italian School of Progressive that garners not only scant attention but hardly even a whimper of anything. I am glad that I clued Finnforest onto this because it is really deserving of some serious applause. Yes, Finnforest aptly relayed the brief history, one shot in the dark status (which doesn't always help in getting noticed), sort of a lesser known Maxophone. . Save for the finale ,most tracks are short by prog standards between 3 and 6 minutes . "Uomo Stanco" (Tired Man) starts off the festivities with Luciano Regoli's fascinating vocals leading the way, in a jazzy romp featuring some airy melodies well anchored by the typical ace rhythm section of bassist Aldo Bellanova and drumster Sandro Conti. This solid confidence gives soloists Stefano Sabatini on keys and the reputed guitarist Nanni Civitenga room to lay down some seductive lines. The following piece "Un Millione d'Anni Fa " is an absolute highlight with serious symphonics pushing the pleasure zones, with some whimsical oboe work and a main theme that is sheer beauty and passion. As good as anything by the other ISP big boys. "L'Angelo" concentrates on showcasing the broad range of Regoli's voice and Nanni's cyclonic guitar, acoustic and harsher electric grooving with some ornate piano work as well. "Passagio di Via Arpino" dives into more flute-led jazz areas (fine e- piano, brass blasts and slick drumming) , this is clear-cut jazz-rock that will please even the tightest critics , Sabatini's keywork in particular is scintillating, passing the torch to Civitenga's wah-laden, chugging guitar phrasings that exude not only technique but a slight sense of mania that is most pleasing, finishing the comp off with some more flute explorations, another first rate track. "Fantasia" serves up some more upbeat rhythms, the bass meticulously leading the way, more swooping vocals and criss-crossing melodies, very cool and elegant and the flute again adding that touch of "légèreté" that is instantly appealing. "Silenzio" is more experimental, much less conventional colorations, with the guitar as the main protagonist, keeping things actually simpler and more linear (some nice Eminent - String synth like instrument- work from Sabatini), with dashes of creative oddity. The 8 minute finale really is the main jewel here, simply exposing all those traits that make ISP so attractive, heavenly melodies, glorious inspiration, technically superb playing by all , all presented in a chiseled and structured package, piano leading the way, each instrumentalist interfacing with their own expressions of style and craft, hinting at early King Crimson territories but with that definite Italian feel, constantly seasoned with some new and unexpected quirk, extraordinary vocal choir work that is simply hair- raising, ripping with unabashed passion again the flute soothing things out nicely. Great percussion work throughout, by the way... The final three minutes are symphonic bliss at its finest, on par with anything by anyone, ever, building slowly to an impossible crescendo Madonna mia ! No ISP collection is worthy without this fine single jewel ..Una vera bellezza ... 4.5 solitary stars