ALESSIO TRAPELLA

— First review of this album —

Alessio Trapella reached out , inquiring about the possibility of reviewing his debut album. He had mentioned that he had worked previously with Aldo Tagliapietra of Le Orme fame. That he also was the bassist for New Trolls as well as Le Orme was enough credentials for me but Alessio adding a picture of himself with a legendary Rickenbacker red double neck monster was a notice for me to agree wholeheartedly. Alessio sings, plays the basses, guitars, harmonica, flute while Luca Chiari mans the guitars, Gianluca Raisi on the drum kit and Ares Savioli completing the group on keyboards for this recording "La Ricerca dell'imperfezione", a very personal, ear friendly, charming, and finely crafted set of songs that has certainly a lot going for it. All the 10 tracks are in the 5?6-minute range, so don't expect any epic, bombastic extended soloing, just solid songs with staying power and lots of diversity.

The first three tracks certainly sets the stage of what kind of groove we are going to get. The bruising bass carves hard and relentless on the opening track, and for me, that is just an ideal settler of any doubts. A gently subdued voice and an echoing piano show that he picked up melody and passion while working with Aldo, the reference obvious. A return to the previous instrumentation serves the mood very adequately indeed. "Freeda" also possesses that slight Le Orme touch, with really terrific vocals, powerful drumming, roiling organ and that rotund bass swirling below it all. A glittering Chiari guitar solo adds fuel to the fire. Next up, a more serene piece, as if it is time for reflection, in a quasi-religious setting, a melodic prayer of sorts to an unborn brother with the ever- present bass guiding the organ and the medieval sounding guitars. Fascinating scene as the mood hardens with pulsating passion.

The ingenious "Bando" for example, possesses a sunny Italian folk tinge, with that classic RPI tradition of incorporating "canzone italiana", a touch of flute and a breezy melodic lilt with tons of vocals and a wholly unexpected gushing Hammond organ solo from Ares that really raised my eyebrows. A brilliant change of pace that showcases the talent here. The impressive "Euridice a Milano" has some entertaining theatrics, loaded with topsy turvy licks, loopy synth lines, stop and go rhythmic pulse as well as simply awesome vocals from Alessio. Startlingly daring and inventive, this piece is halfway through the set list, and I am conquered already, a rare event I assure you. Clocking in at 6 minutes plus, the effusive "Silenzio Azzuro" (Blue Silence) sets out on a softer tone, what with a long and soothing synthesizer intro. Out of the blue (pun intended), the voice explodes in an enthusiastic cry, the guitars pushing the envelope and we have a most enjoyable ride. A child-like voice only serves to enchant even further, a lovely touch.

The bass guitar drops some fine anchor on "Un Amaro", a fantastic piece initially with sparse instrumentation, as the focus is really on the rhythm section as Gianluca pounds effortlessly in following the wild guitar solo, which has a little Mark Knopfler tinge that is most welcome. A jazzy touch compounded with a sublime electric piano venture, scat vocal effects and a fine harmonica extension. Playfully emulating musically the Spanish football small-pass technique of "tiki-taki", the scat singing on "Ti Cat tachi I tachi" is highly original, but the Spanish instrumental flamenco-prog section is a clear hint that the inspiration came from a round ball. I applaud the audacity and the creativity. Truth is the title refers to a specific Milanese tongue twister, only adding to the mystery.

"Regredendo" is the final 'arrivederci', a tale of two sides like Hermes, a first half rather song oriented with agonizing vocals and the second more doom-laden and experimental, as if the spirit of Goblin took over the band, only the booming bass connected the two halves. I was not expecting to love this as much on the first listen, but subsequent auditions have only increased my appreciation for this little jewel. Looking forward to many more future releases from this gifted performer. Bravo Alessio, un bello lavoro.

4.5 Imperfect Searches