TIME OF CHANGE

Time of Change was a sort of presage for this curious Italian (?) band. Probably they did not mind it would have been their last one. The last of a serie of four records between 1970 and 1973, passing through the psychedelic movement before finding their identity in symphonic prog sound.

The band was then reduced to a trio and any guitar was missing. People probably think this is another keyboards based group a la LE ORME, but they would be wrong. Ok, they're actually a keyboards trio, but very far from that accomplished and famous formation. ELP, don't seem to be their unique and main source...they seem to have assimilated more than a YES' influence plus an evident jazzy vein.

Italian band I said, with a question mark. The history of The Trip does not start near the shore of the mediterranean sea. The band was formed in England and featured also a certain (young) Ritchie Blackmore. Soon they came to Italy where they had the opportunityto release their official debut in 1970. Some of the original members were gone, other italian musician came in (Wegg Andersen stayed, Joe Vescovi arrived). In 1971 they were already famous and influenced strongly the "borning" italian prog scene of that time.

The most remarkable thing of the album is the first track, actually a suite of 20 minutes long titled "Rhapsodia". A mix, as I said, of symphonic and jazz, well performed. Great drums played by Furio Chirico, one of the best italian drummers ever, next to be a member of Arti e Mestieri.

Lyrics are completely sung in english, as they used to do at that time, showing themselves as an international band. Rhapsodia flows well and gradually change into a swinged tempo. That's interesting but the tracks lacks of mordant and originality, I think.

The second track "Formula Nova" is a fast battle of drums, bass and keyboards againgainst each other. Good, but not particularly memorable. "De Sensibus" is more experimental track, with voices and cracking effects, with the addition of sparse percussions and triangle. "Corale" is an interesting track, with more classic influences and nice vocal effort (plus bells!). "Ad Libitum" goes on with the classic interludes with a little bit of jazz flavour in the final part. Joe Vescovi demonstrates here all his virtues on piano. No bass guitar, no drums. What a pity!

It seems the band were a littled bit confused at the time. Perhaps they were searching for new artistics ways. Probably I will never know what they wished to do but I thank them for what they gave us.

My rating: 3 - 3.5 stars, with regret. It could have been a memorable record!! For fans of italian symphonic prog, at least until the word "italian symphonic" has his autonomous dignity...