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THE ROME PRO(G)JECT

Symphonic Prog • Italy


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The Rome Pro(g)ject biography
Vincenzo Ricca - Born in Cosenza, Italy in 1962

The Rome Pro(g)ject is a Symphonic progressive rock project lead by Italian keyboard player and composer Vincenzo Ricca. In addition to Ricca's keyboards, the music of The Rome Pro(g)ject features contributions from well-known British and Italian musicians. Two of the central participants are Steve Hackett (Genesis) and David Jackson (Van der Graaf Generator) who both have played on all three of The Rome Pro(g)ject's albums. Other contributers include David Cross (King Crimson), Richard Sinclair (Caravan), Francesco Di Giacomo (Banco del Mutuo Soccorso), and Billy Sherwood (Yes).

The music is instrumental with occasional narration and is based around the history and mythology of the eternal city of Rome.

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THE ROME PRO(G)JECT discography


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THE ROME PRO(G)JECT top albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

3.98 | 55 ratings
A Musical Walk Through the History and the Places, the Greatness and the Beauty of the Eternal City
2012
4.00 | 57 ratings
Of Fate and Glory
2016
4.03 | 80 ratings
Exegi Monumentum Aere Perennius
2017
3.54 | 31 ratings
IV - Beaten Paths Different Ways
2020
4.11 | 48 ratings
Compendium of a Lifetime
2022

THE ROME PRO(G)JECT Live Albums (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

THE ROME PRO(G)JECT Videos (DVD, Blu-ray, VHS etc)

THE ROME PRO(G)JECT Boxset & Compilations (CD, LP, MC, SACD, DVD-A, Digital Media Download)

THE ROME PRO(G)JECT Official Singles, EPs, Fan Club & Promo (CD, EP/LP, MC, Digital Media Download)

3.13 | 4 ratings
Down to the Domus Aurea / Towards the Future
2012

THE ROME PRO(G)JECT Reviews


Showing last 10 reviews only
 Compendium of a Lifetime by ROME PRO(G)JECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2022
4.11 | 48 ratings

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Compendium of a Lifetime
The Rome Pro(g)ject Symphonic Prog

Review by alainPP

4 stars Vincenzo Ricca's The Rome Pro(G)ject is his symphonic progressive rock project that began in 2012, surrounded by musicians such as Steve and John Hackett, David Jackson and Tony Levin, with Franck Carducci and Roberto Vitelli as guests. An observatory on progressive music, Roman chronicles on Roman greatness with "symphony", lyricism and decadence and a 5th opus to dissect.

"V": Yessian intro, everything is said of the 70s then the 80s, organ and guitar, majestic. 'Compendium of a Lifetime': for the solemn intro, flowery at the Mellotron and the Genesis vocals of Bernardo and Aragon too; variation between David's sax, John's flute and Franck's guitar for a bucolic symphony and the eponymous piece. 'Vesuvius': short but majestic piece, rising towards Olympus with Mellotron for a dramatic side. 'The Last Night in the World': sequel to Pompeii before the end; melancholy Genesis rhyme amplified by Tony's voice with Nick's piano and spleen guitar. 'Have Caesar!': title in 4 beats, much darker with still synths and Paolo still on aerial guitar; final with pads accompanying the keyboards and the orchestra which is sufficient in itself. "Morituri te Salutant" continues in the same musical vein with John's flute and a sustained bass. "Gladiatores", with Tony and his bass hit, comes to support a title where Genesis comes back in force; it twirls keyboards, pure Vincenzo sound fat, heavy, airy and lively. 'Have Caesar! (reprise)' closes this quadra-title with Daniele's drums bringing a little more energy, as if there weren't enough already. 'Exegi Monvmentum 2021' in the finale and cover of the 2017 title with Steve in front, navigating between his musical soul and that of the Genesis; beautiful and languorous.

The Rome Pro(G)ject continues its musical fresco of ancient Rome on its great hours and its misfortunes such as Pompeii surrounded by a number of experienced musicians who show that you can have beautiful symphonic music under a little-known name; maybe that is exactly the solution. An album passed under the batteries of 2022 that had to be chronicled because a potential top 2022.

 Compendium of a Lifetime by ROME PRO(G)JECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2022
4.11 | 48 ratings

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Compendium of a Lifetime
The Rome Pro(g)ject Symphonic Prog

Review by tszirmay
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

5 stars If one wishes to seek out some classic yet current symphonic prog of the very highest quality, then look no further than the Rome Pro(g)ject from the supremely talented Roman keyboardist Vincenzo Ricca, whose fifth studio album is the pinnacle of the style. Obviously, when you are able to easily summon some of the "crema della crema" progressive rock icons to join in on the fun, the results can only be celestial. Such luminary names as the venerable Steve Hackett, and his brother John, Tony Levin the master basso profundo, singer Bernardo Lanzetti (PFM, Acqua Fragile, Mangala Vallis) , Nick Magnus on keys and Dave Jackson of VDGG fame on sax are joined by the next generation : bassist Roberto Vitelli (Ellesmere, Tapobran, Areknames, The Samurai of Prog), Frank Carducci on guitar and bass, Ranestrane drummer extraordinaire Daniele Pomo, and the fascinating voice of Tony Patterson (Re-Genesis and solo). If one takes a gander at the ratings on PA for all five albums, you kind of wonder why this project is not on all radars and in most hearts! Especially when taking into consideration that there is a historical theme that should fascinate most inquisitive minds, the once opulent power of the Roman Empire. If ever you travel to the Eternal City (a mesmerizing bucket list event), you would be invariably enveloped into a visually and culturally fascinating city that should capture your heart and mind, often both! It did provide me with numerous sublime anecdotes that seem Fellini-esque in its ingenious playfulness, inflexibly passionate charm and of course, magnificent vistas waiting just around each corner of its numerous streets.

Imagine the sheer audacity of a symph-prog album that starts out with a church organ overture played by Vincenzo, his brother Paolo on electric guitar and Daniele pounding away on his kit, this sounds like a piece off The Six Wives of Henry VIII album. The whopping epic 13 minute+ title track sets the bar real high ASAP, with Jackson's flute and winds uniting with Carducci on 12 string and bass, surely channeling his Rutherford muse, and who else but the graceful Hackett guitar to illuminate the skies, all led by powerful waves of mellotron, organ and synths. While Lanzetti's strangled voice has always been a struggle for some, it gets more comfortable with repeated listens, his throttling vocal cords can be quite effective, theatrically speaking. The passion, the atmosphere, and the melodies (PAM) are front and center, the playing verging on the impossibly sublime, Hackett and Jackson both positively shining on their respective instruments. Steve actually pulls off a noteworthy solo that harkens back to his classic Firth of Fifth days, a flurry of long, extended and excruciatingly gorgeous, sustained notes, all wrapped up in cascades of howling mellotron. Orgasmic.

How about a little volcanic eruption, since Pompeii is not that far from Rome? "Vesuvius" starts off as a moderate rumble, slowly ratchetted up by Paolo Ricca's ornate guitar upsurge, rushing organ imitating lava flows, and the inexorable doom it may represent for the unfortunate populace. On the segueing "The Last Night in the World", the consequences of the eruption are aptly handled by Tony Patterson, who happens to be one hell of a vocal talent, as his long career with ReGenesis and amazing solo albums will attest, his rendering of the iconic Peter Gabriel is the best anywhere. Uncanny, this is better than the lawn-mowing masked wonder himself. With Roberto Vitelli on bass, Nick Magnus on opulent piano, and another sizzling flurry from Hackett, this is a timeless prog piece, drenched in melody and sonic beauty.

The following four tracks form a loose suite, the first part offering no rest with the grandiose "Have Caesar", awash in a harrowing torrent of colossal choir mellotron, Vincenzo shows off some stunning and twirling synth leads that one can really Banks on (excuse the pun), yet always devoted to the mood and the melody. Paolo Ricca spits out a crystalline solo, lush with emotion and feeling. Levin and Pomo keep the Roman army on the march through Rome, heading towards the Colosseum where the gladiators await their fate. "Morituri te Salutant "(Those who will die , salute you) is a proper segue onto the soon to be blood stained sands that will appear on "Gladiators" , a thrilling bombastic showcase underpinned by a wickedly evil bass solo by Levin that proves once and for all his mighty mettle, encouraging romping organ and synths, massive waves of mellotron, John's flute, brother Steve ripping off some blistering runs (note: he can play very fast too, its not always slow and gentle, sentimental) and Pomo thundering away on his skins. A reprise of the main delirious melody that began with "Have Caesar", concludes their epic, cornerstone piece with unimpeachable bravado and gusto (musical Romulus and Remus), a real symphonic prog treat.

As a bonus track a 2021 reworking of the title track from their extraordinary preceding album, Exegi Monumentum (my first purchase of theirs and which I urge anyone to hunt down and possess). It has all those ingredients that make Rome Pro(g)ject such a joy to behold: magnificent arrangements with creative and visibly inspired guest musicians, inventive melodies that will sear one's brain, and a common theme, Rome's eternal history. Some of Steve Hackett's most brilliant playing is to be found among the 5 project albums, arguably more than on his numerous solo albums. Obviously, Steve has the freedom to totally let loose, a liberty given to him by Vincenzo Ricca' s stunning compositions. Nowhere better than on this exquisite finale.

If ever the question arises of what kind of great modern symphonic prog could one suggest: the answer to me is quite clear: "The Rome Pro(g)ject" is the place to go.

5 Legionnaires

 Exegi Monumentum Aere Perennius by ROME PRO(G)JECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2017
4.03 | 80 ratings

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Exegi Monumentum Aere Perennius
The Rome Pro(g)ject Symphonic Prog

Review by alainPP

4 stars Vincenzo RICCA is not a novice !!

I would even say more, it is just the instigator of a musical triptych of which EXEGI MONVMENTVM AERE PERENNIVS is none other than the youngest! This musician also has a peculiarity of his own, that of having surrounded himself with world names from groups such as STEVE HACKETT BAND, VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR or KING CRIMSON and Franck CARDUCCI (himself) who has worked in Genesis universes! Well, this third album is built around a central theme on ROME and its aura until its downfall, but the music is and remains cheerful until the last notes, "because nothing really dies"! Before talking to you a little more about music, a question more or less haunted me ... and maybe you too after listening: how and why such musicians came to lend a hand to this work? Obviously you won't get the solution from me, because I'm just going to tell you about the soul of this CD!

First, an intro piece on the piano, just to warm your ears with "EXEGI MONUMENTUM" the flagship piece of more than 12 minutes with a S. HACKETT at its best, juggling between Genesisian and Hackettian solo; finally setting the scene, and a sound specific to the said composer oscillating on sounds already known, of course, but clearly personalized. The following pieces are more themes based on a guest artist, highlighting here and there a sax? reminiscent of KING CRIMSON, a violin and hop we dive towards VAN DER GRAAF, a flute and hop a bit of S HACKETT at its beginnings , a little further a Floydian guitar, yes, yes, look I heard of course, then a Hackettian and Carduccan guitar! We can even imagine the theme of a J. BOND on the 3rd track, a sign that we are indeed in a concept piece of progressive music! We feel the fluid flights of the guitars, the languid notes at times, the notes pushed to their extreme as in the heyday of the 70's. You even hear a tune or two from "Selling England", to say the least.

So yes, each piece taken separately will not have the same scope, the same grip, the same charisma as if you listen to everything at once, but remember the sequel "The Cinema Show - Aisle of Plenty" almost inseparable it was awhile ago, and you will, I hope, understand a little bit how I felt listening to it. The end of the album with a few diffuse notes from Bach's prelude, just in our collective unconscious, allows us to find air, the air of 2018. The following three titles (extras) are in my opinion dispensable and bring nothing again except the voice of Francesco palabrating on ROME, the violin of which you know (also reminding me of that of the group SOLSTICE and its jazzy flights) and the playful, almost edgy guitar of Sir Steve!

To summarize a little this album which could only be a disc (33, CD or K7!) Instrumental, turns out to be a souvenir catalog for the old proggeux of which I am, but very young of age (of course!) And neo proggeux in search of emotion at the beginning of the year.

 IV - Beaten Paths Different Ways by ROME PRO(G)JECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2020
3.54 | 31 ratings

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IV - Beaten Paths Different Ways
The Rome Pro(g)ject Symphonic Prog

Review by SouthSideoftheSky
Special Collaborator Symphonic Team

3 stars Reflections

After three very strong albums culminating with the masterpiece Exegi Monumentum Aere Perennius in 2017, Vincenzo Ricca returns here with yet another release under the name of The Rome Pro(g)ject. This time, however, we are not talking about a full album of new material, but mainly re-interpretations of compositions already having appeared on the previous three albums. The aptly titled Beaten Paths Different Ways contains only three brand new pieces with the rest being alternative versions of older material. The most notable aspect of the proceedings is the presence of vocals for the first time on a Rome Pro(g)ject album. Out of the three new numbers featured on this record, one is a vocal track while the other two are instrumentals. Steve Hackett appears on the instrumentals All Roads Lead to Rome and Vertical Illusion, especially the first of these will not disappoint anyone who liked Hackett's contributions to the previous Rome Pro(g)ject albums. Bernardo Lanzetti of PFM provides lead vocals on Beaten Paths.

Of the recycled material, a few have vocals added. On most of these it is Ricca himself singing. The vocals are not bad as such, but personally I prefer the instrumental nature of the past albums. It is interesting to hear these compositions in a new light, but it is clear that The Rome Pro(g)ject functions best as an instrumental act. I do hope that we will see more new instrumental music from Vincenzo Ricca's pro(g)ject in the future, I would be the first to get it.

Beaten Paths Different Ways is recommended mainly to those who already know and love the music of The Rome Pro(g)ject. As such, two stars would perhaps have been more appropriate, but the quality of the music is so high that I am prepared to give three stars here. I would recommend starting your journey into world of The Rome Pro(g)ject with the brilliant Exegi Monumentum Aere Perennius, and then going backwards from there to Of Fate and Glory, and then to the first album, both of which are also excellent, and only after that (if you will still want more), should you acquire Beaten Paths Different Ways with the understanding that it is basically an EP rather than a completely new album.

 Down to the Domus Aurea / Towards the Future by ROME PRO(G)JECT, THE album cover Singles/EPs/Fan Club/Promo, 2012
3.13 | 4 ratings

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Down to the Domus Aurea / Towards the Future
The Rome Pro(g)ject Symphonic Prog

Review by SouthSideoftheSky
Special Collaborator Symphonic Team

3 stars A small taste of the first album

This limited edition CD-single contains early versions of two tracks that later appeared on the first Rome Pro(g)ject album. The first track is Down to the Domus Aurea, co-written by pro(g)ject leader Vincenzo Ricca and Steve Hackett, and featuring the latter on lead guitar. The second track is Towards the Future, co-written by Ricca and John Hackett, who plays flute on the track. Both tracks are very strong and give a good preview of the album.

Existing in only 500 copies, this CD-single is a nice collectors item of which I am a proud owner. It can still be ordered straight from Vincenzo Ricca himself through his website. The music contained within is excellent, though most people will be satisfied with the full-length album.

 Exegi Monumentum Aere Perennius by ROME PRO(G)JECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2017
4.03 | 80 ratings

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Exegi Monumentum Aere Perennius
The Rome Pro(g)ject Symphonic Prog

Review by SouthSideoftheSky
Special Collaborator Symphonic Team

5 stars Monumental

EXEGI MONVMENTVM AERE PERENNIVS meaning "I raised a monument more lasting than bronze" is the third album by Vincenzo Ricca's The Rome Pro(g)ject. Having enjoyed the previous two discs, I was eager to get my hands on this brand new release, and I ordered it straight from Vincenzo himself. More than living up to expectations, this album in fact surpassed them. This third instalment takes the best from Rome Pro(g)ject I and II and presents us with a truly convincing work. After a very large number of listens over the past few weeks I can attest that it is indeed a lasting monument of Symphonic Prog. The moment it stops running, I just want to start it over again!

The music of The Rome Pro(g)ject is entirely instrumental, not even narration is included this time which I feel is a boost as I found it distracting on previous releases. The album features ten tracks, all but two of which are written by Ricca who is a great composer and a superb keyboard player.

Like the name implies, the project is based in Italy, but it is in fact an international collaboration featuring contributions from several well-known British musicians. Steve Hackett makes a return appearance on the twelve and a half minute Exegi Monvmentvm which also features John Hackett on flute. Another long-time Hackett collaborator in Nick Magnus contributes the two piano pieces that bookend the album.

Other returning participants are David Jackson and David Cross who contribute winds and electric violin respectively to several tracks. The presence of these giants readily invites comparisons to the classic bands in which they made their names, and in the cases of Genesis and King Crimson the comparisons are indeed relevant. When it comes King Crimson, it is more so the early, symphonic era of In The Court Of The Crimson King that is relevant and less so the later albums that David Cross originally helped create. An exception might be the track 476 A.C. which is dedicated to John Wetton. No similarities with Van der Graaf Generator can be detected, with Jacksons contributions on sax and flutes also bringing to mind early King Crimson as well as occasionally Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson.

As a keyboard player, Ricca is clearly influenced by the likes of Tony Banks, Rick Wakeman, and Keith Emerson. The second part of the multi-part suite Aere Perennius is dedicated to Emerson, who like Wetton passed away last year. On these tracks, Emerson's influence can be felt.

Mentioning all of these great names might make some think that this is nothing but an exercise of rehearsing the classics, but that would definitely be a big mistake. EXEGI MONVMENTVM AERE PERENNIVS is not a "retro" release, but a timeless piece of excellent music!

Very highly recommended!

 Of Fate and Glory by ROME PRO(G)JECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2016
4.00 | 57 ratings

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Of Fate and Glory
The Rome Pro(g)ject Symphonic Prog

Review by SouthSideoftheSky
Special Collaborator Symphonic Team

4 stars "This is a story of fate and glory"

The Rome Pro(g)ject is a progressive Rock project led by the Italian musician Vincenzo Ricca. Of Fate And Glory is the second album released under this moniker and like on the first album Steve Hackett and David Jackson are again involved. In addition, Ricca has this time enlisted the talents of the amazing Billy Sherwood. The names of these four men (Ricca, Hackett, Jackson, and Sherwood) are printed on the front cover of the album, but there are also some further people involved in the recording.

The presence of Hackett and Sherwood obviously invites comparisons to Genesis and Yes, and while references to these bands (as well as to some other classic progressive Rock giants) are indeed relevant, perhaps even more relevant are references to Hackett's solo work and also to the solo work of Rick Wakeman whose keyboard playing is an obvious influence on Ricca's. David Jackson's flutes and saxophones, however, remind more of Jethro Tull's Ian Anderson and Mel Collins' contributions to King Crimson and Camel than they bring to mind anything by Jackson's day job in Van Der Graaf Generator.

Since the music found here is lighter than that of bands like Genesis and Yes, and also in virtue of being completely instrumental, comparisons can also be made to more mellow and folky acts like Gandalf (see, for example, the latter's collaborations with Hackett) and to Mike Oldfield. Occasionally, a jazzier aspect can also be detected in some tracks.

As indicated above, there are no vocals on this album. But the opening track does have some spoken word courtesy of Steve Hackett's wife Joanna, which is basically just a matter of reading out the titles of each subsequent track of the album! I find this aspect pretty lame and pointless and the fact that this opening track also includes a melody that comes a bit too close for comfort to Genesis' Hairless Heart does not help the track. Once you get past this, however, you are in for some excellent music.

My favourite tracks are The Wolf And The Twins and The Conquest Of The World both co-written by Sherwood and S.P.Q.R. co-written with Hackett. Overall, a very nice album!

 Of Fate and Glory by ROME PRO(G)JECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2016
4.00 | 57 ratings

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Of Fate and Glory
The Rome Pro(g)ject Symphonic Prog

Review by siLLy puPPy
Special Collaborator PSIKE, JRF/Canterbury, P Metal, Eclectic

4 stars After three and a half years the cleverly named ROME PRO(G)JECT are back as a collective offering a sequel to the eponymous release that took conceptual instrumental symphonic prog to new heights. The PRO(G)JECT consists of the three permanent members: founder and keyboard junkie Vicenzo Ricca, bassist extraordinaire Billy Sherwood who simply loves these ongoing PRO(G)JECTS but also contributes percussion and guitar and Genesis guitar god and solo eclectic progger Steve Hackett on guitars. Also on board are David Jackson of Van Der Graaf Generator fame on winds. There are several other musicians on board who contribute more keys, more guitars, more bass and just more! Noticeably absent as i was sitting through this just waiting for some horrible vocalist to mar the beautiful music is the absence of any vocals whatsoever save the introductory narration as the guiding voice by Joanna Lehmann Hackett, poetic author and wife of, yes, Steve Hackett.

Released on April 21st, 2016, which happens to be the 2769th anniversary of Rome's foundation, the subject matter tackles exactly what it proposes. This is indeed a concept album that tells the musical tale about ancient ROME and the story OF FATE AND GLORY. These types of concept albums usually tackle such subjects with vocals and lyrics of some sort, but this one is totally instrumental except for Ms Hackett's short narrative introductions on the very first track. The rest of the album is supposed to be a completely accurate representation of ROME's history throughout the ages in musical form and as the music segues from one passage to another somehow also is supposed to represent the continuing developments of the city that began in 753 BC and took 870 years of conquests to reach its apex in 117 AC before its ultimate decline.

The music is very much like the first edition (only better) and continues the symphonic prog rock style that floats around in a dreamy neo-prog meets the late "Wind Or Wuthering" Genesis style of symphonic prog that floats around, drops a few bombs and marches down into new musical thoroughfares. The focus is primarily on the multi keyboard parts and their melodic meanderings that weave together to deliver an emotional response to what is being sonically depicted. Hackett's guitar contributions are just as strong showing emotional counterpoints to the keyboard runs and thorough well thought out progressive rock workouts. The album has eleven tracks in all and each track tells a particular tale of various stages of ROME's long standing history as one of the world's greatest and most formidable empires. While i personally can't say i understand any these connections between the might and symphonic pomp that the music delivers and which stories it supposedly represents, i am happy to inform you that it doesn't really matter if you connect to this as intended by the artists or not. The music more than stands on its own without any arcane references to antiquity or the trials and tribulations of life in the Mediterranean empire.

THE ROME PRO(G)JECT might sound a little familiar if you are already familiar with the Colossus Project series. It has the same type of symphonic prog rock sound encountered on a majority of those types of releases that are also conceptual in nature. Billy Sherwood has been behind the scenes on many of these and seems indefatigable in this regard. Perhaps my one complaint about this album is that the lack of vocals leaves the listener a little perplexed and lost in the sea of antiquity and implores a more descriptive analysis that can act as training wheels for the uninitiated of the long history that only true historians would completely comprehend. Another slight issue i have is that from what i know of the ROMAN empire through my limited reading of it and the excellent cable TV series ROME is that it was particularly brutal and the mellow and suave music that is exhibited here doesn't necessarily bring conquest and plunder to mind! That said, this is a strong collection of tracks that may not quite warrant its bloated 66 minute and 22 second run but wrests out only the most appropriate emotional responses from the listener throughout a majority of the minutes within it.

One of my favorite tracks, for example, is the sublime "Seven Hills And A River" which at 13:12 never outstays its welcome at all. It begins with a repetitive marching type riff with a sustained key that builds and builds and builds. It continues to slowly blossom into an ever more melodic and complex progressive behemoth that pulls out all the symphonic prog and space rock punches and ekes out all the appurtenant and desired effects. It is punctuated by beautiful classical guitar segments as well as heavy rock approaches and conjures up the journey at hand quite successfully while other tracks may leave the listener a bit perplexed. Overall i wouldn't call this a stunningly successful conceptual masterpiece of any sort however this is a ridiculously pleasant slice of symphonic prog done right with perfect production, meliorable mixing and the majestic melding of seasoned musicians taking turns pouring out their hearts to bring a larger than life experience. Quite recommended and musically more challenging than the first eponymous release.

 A Musical Walk Through the History and the Places, the Greatness and the Beauty of the Eternal City by ROME PRO(G)JECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2012
3.98 | 55 ratings

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A Musical Walk Through the History and the Places, the Greatness and the Beauty of the Eternal City
The Rome Pro(g)ject Symphonic Prog

Review by AtomicCrimsonRush
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars "The Rome Pro(G)ject" is an Italian concept album conceived and produced by Vincenzo Ricca as ''A musical walk through the history and the places, the greatness and the beauty of the Eternal City''. The album is mainly instrumental and features a host of guest artists well known in the prog community and each track offers something special. After an Italian narrative from Banco del Mutuo Soccorso's Francesco Di Giacomo, it launches into a scintillating guitar solo layered with dreamy synths on '... April 21st 753 B.C.'. This is followed by acoustic guitar picking and gentle synths and the wonderful electric violin work of King Crimson's David Cross on 'Over 2,000 Fountains'. The violin is exquisite, relaxing and tranquil, and the piece has a medieval Elizabethan feel, and a Canterbury flavour in its lengthy running time. The cadence quickens after about 5 minutes and the keyboard of Vincenzo Ricca dominates.

Guests that feature include the members of Il Tempio delle Clessidre and Mauro Montobbio from Narrow Pass on 'In And Around The Colosseum'. This musical journey is laced with grand piano and spacey synth, along with guitar picking finesse and a steady drum beat. Soaring electric guitars are well executed by Montobbio, and overall the musicianship is brilliant.

'Monuments And Statues Everywhere' features the members of The Steve Hackett Band, John Hackett on flute and Nick Magnus on keyboards. This is an ambient tune with a pretty melody, enhanced by a sumptuous flute passage. The guitar powerhouse Steve Hackett features on 'Down To Domus Aurea' and as usual the legendary guitarist is first class. I also like how the tune speeds up and a 70s organ takes over.

'Caracalla's Dream' features Canterbury giant Richard Sinclair on his patented fretless bass. It is sprinkled through with a floating flute melody and swathes of drifting synth lines. 'A Mankind Heritage...' flows with the saxophone excellence of Van der Graaf Generator's David Jackson. His flute playing is also stunning, and this one stands out as a definitive highlight of exquisite musicianship. '... Towards The Future' is the return of Mauro Montobbio to close things off, with ribbons of flute drifting along, before the bonus track. This bonus is actually more of Steve Hackett, never a bad thing, playing well on 'The Mouth Of Truth'. The lead guitar is embellished with cathedral organ phrases, and an angelic choral choir; again extraordinary musicianship.

Overall the album is a nice slice of Italian prog pizza with all the trimmings, and a hard 70s flavour throughout. It is well worthwhile indulging in this delizioso Italian banquet. Bellissimo!

 A Musical Walk Through the History and the Places, the Greatness and the Beauty of the Eternal City by ROME PRO(G)JECT, THE album cover Studio Album, 2012
3.98 | 55 ratings

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A Musical Walk Through the History and the Places, the Greatness and the Beauty of the Eternal City
The Rome Pro(g)ject Symphonic Prog

Review by seventhsojourn
Special Collaborator Honorary Collaborator

4 stars 'The Rome Pro(G)ject' is a concept album that reflects the history, monuments and psyche of The Eternal City via a series of musical vignettes and features several well-kent names from planet prog. It's also a glorification of Anglo-Italian collaboration and alternate tracks feature the likes of continentals Mauro Montobbio of Narrow Pass and members of Il Tempio delle Clessidre, and John Hackett and Nick Magnus from the UK. The path travelled follows the city's evolution, from the mythic material of twins Romulus and Remus suckling on a wolf's teats, to the modern day and projecting forward as a city of the future.

After a short prologue featuring Banco's Francesco Di Giacomo reading extracts from Livy's 'The History of Rome' the album kicks off proper with '... April 21st 753 B.C.' Appropriately enough - since it deals with the birth of the city and the legendary circumstances around which it got its name - this track features the Italian house band. The listener's attention may be focused on the big guns of the duty roster but the album isn't solely dependent on the famous individuals. Vincenzo Ricca is the main man behind the project and his vintage keys have more fizz than a sherbet fountain, although admittedly there are occasional nods to 'Cinema Show' on this track.

Talking of fountains, the inspiration for the album came when Steve Hackett quipped to his friend Ricca in 2009 that he would like to make a record about the fountains of Rome. The idea subsequently grew to involve a number of famous musicians and 'Over 2,000 Fountains' showcases the almost liturgical violin (acoustic and electric) of David Cross, along with more Genesis influence in the form of 12-string guitars and a 'play me Old King Cole' feel in places. Hackett himself features on 'Down To Domus Aurea' and this track has enough pomp and bombast to match that of the great city.

While the expansive form of the music largely reflects the subject matter, the English musicians involved in the project likewise have connections to Italy. 'Caracalla's Dream' is a sensitive dialogue between a flute and the fretless bass of Richard Sinclair, a chap who has all but settled in Italy and lives there for most of the year. And of course David Jackson has close links to Osanna; the album is mostly an all-you-can-eat symphonic feast but his 'A Mankind Heritage...' provides a significant counterpoise and it sure spices things up with its Bacchanalian sax and flute evocations.

Saying that 'The Rome Pro(G)ject' represents a bonanza of famous English proggers is a bit like describing Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss' as two people snogging in a psychedelic sleeping bag. But it's very much a joint venture with enough arrabbiata sauce to satisfy fans of the Italian prog; it harks back to a lost golden age and seventies-style prog almost leaps out of the speakers like that mythical wolf.

Thanks to southsideofthesky for the artist addition. and to Quinino for the last updates

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