NUVOLE DI IERI

Travelling can give deep emotions, apart from the place to reach, whether you're escaping from something (or somebody) particularly, or from the daily matters. With "Nuvole di ieri", Nicola Randone tells us a trip of some friends to Amsterdam, using a large numbers of details. He's supported by Marco Crispi on guitars, Riccardo Cascone on drums and Daniel Martinez on bass; as special guest, we find Beppe Crovella (Arti & Mestieri) on Hammond. So, it's a concept-album built around one long suite divided in eighteen rooms: the italian progressive vein is higher than his first effort "Morte di un amore" released two years ago. It's complex and friendly at the same time, refined and prickly thanks to Marco Crispi guitar playing. It's recommended to listen to it from start to finish with no breaks. My favourite rooms are "La casa maledetta" and "Un vecchio che voleva morire". No doubt, "Nuvole di ieri" is the best italian prog album of 2003.. and what a beautiful cover art !!