CELESTE [AKA: PRINCIPE DI UN GIORNO]

Typically, I prefer my progressive rock to be a mix of clever, exciting, and interesting songs performed by the very best at their instruments. That doesn't mean that I can't enjoy quiet and pastoral songs or sections of songs - I just lose a little patience when the whole album is comprised of such.

And there lies the drawback (for me) in this cd by Celeste. It has some beautiful moments, and it's nicely performed. But I'll probably only play it as background music while I'm reading (as opposed to while I'm driving too fast on a back country road ;-). This is a pretty mellow (and mellotron-ish) album. Nice vocals and flute playing too, along with some nice melodies. It might have been a nice contrast to include drums more often, or a little more "meat" in spots? Too bad it's only 37 minutes long, too. (Was that the stated standard for Italian prog album durations in the 1970's?!)

If you're off on an adventure into the Misty Mountains with Bilbo Baggins, you probably want to have "Close to the Edge" on your headphones. But if you're just hanging out at the old hobbit's place, smoking a pipe, and enjoying the sunset, this Celeste cd will hit the right spot! You need to be in the right mood for this one - I'll give it a mood-appropriate 4 stars. (And now I have this mysterious urge to listen to Zep IV...)