LIVE ORME

A live double album from the groups tours undertaken between 1975 and 1977 that wasn't released until 1986, this spectacular concert album features this premier Italian prog band performing at their very peak to an enthusiastic audience in, amongst other places, Milan, Parma and Bologna. Those familiar with the group will, at a glance, see a series of classic Le Orme tracks filling the set-list, whilst brief, and welcome interpretations of Jethro Tull and Led Zeppelin tracks also feature. The sound is raw but powerful, and despite the occasional sonic glitch this highly-anticipated release - which, originally was only available in either Japan or Italy(lucky b*stards) - still stands up as a fine double-album that should be well-and-truly lapped up by both fans of the group and Italian progressive rock aficianado's. Captured amongst the highlights are storming versions of 'Contrappunti', 'Collage' and 'Maggio', as well as a full interpretation of their extraordinary 'Felona E Sorona' album, all done in a rocked-up style that adds a touch of Black Sabbath to the group's complex prog stylings. As live Italian prog items from the country and genre's 1970s golden era are especially rare, this live document is a hugely-welcome addition to the growing number of Italian prog reissues, and once for all, shows just how hard groups like Le Orme could rock out. Highly recommended. STEFAN TURNER, LONDON, 2011