ADDIO / NOTTURNO PER NOI

Refered often as a Melodic Pop/Rock band of minor prog interest, La Bottega dell'Arte came from Roma and were formed in early-70's, led by brothers Piero Calabrese (keyboards) and Masimo Calabrese (bass).The line-up of the band consisted also of guitarist Fernando Ciucci, keyboardist/flutist Romano Musumarra and drummer Alberto Bartoli, while four out of five members contributed on vocals.The first work of the band was a single for the small Roman label Tomato in 1974.

Anyone believing that all tracks recorded by this group were fairly commercial should simply reconsider.Yes, the opening ''Addio'' is a short, accesible track yet of a good quality regarding its style.It ia a nice melodic cut with a poppy edge, based on the smooth guitar playing and the warm multi-vocal harmonies of the band.On the other hand ''Notturno per noi'' might be one of the lost classics of Italian Prog, which can stand easily next to the monster pieces of the Italian legends.The superb opening with a fast piano pace and the crunchy guitars gives its place to a Classical-inspired guitar melody in the vein of FOCUS, followed by a soft organ-piano part.The piano rises along with the guitar to the track's splendid symphonic middle section, followed by a Psych-influenced organ section and the great closing synth run.

If you are looking for the most progressive track in La Bottega dell'Arte's career you should definitely listen to this single.A great and unknown classic piece of 70's Italian Prog, strongly recommended to say the least...3.5 stars.