LA NORMA DEL CIELO (VOLO MAGICO N. 2)

So translates the title of "Magic Flight #2" by Claudio Rocchi, one of Italy's most unique solo artists. "Volo Magico N. 2" was largely drawn from leftovers from the sessions of the first VM, which was initially supposed to be a double album. There is no side long suite this time but seven shorter tracks ranging from sentimental and lovely melodic Italian rock to more acoustic acid-folkie sounding material. "Storia Tutti" is a high-minded acoustic track that sounds almost like some Popol Vuh experiment merged with Jimmy Page's "White Summer." The title track is a simple, pastoral prog number with delicate flute. Much of the album is adorned by lovely piano parts in the Italian tradition which is why it appeals to me so much. "Tutti Insieme" throws in some violin and for a moment feels like gypsy-folk music before the piano returns with the same beautiful backing vocals that made the first album memorable. It ends with "Per la Luna's" bongos and sitar, another take on what sounds like George Harrison's infatuations from 1967-68. Rocchi is clearly immersed in the Indian spirituality and mysticism from the trip he takes during this period, and these impressions are all over his music of the day. If you took the best material from the two "Volo Magico" albums and condensed them into a single album it would be a pretty great one. The two albums as they exist are both good albums for those interested in an Italian psych-folk experience but not quite great on their own.