LOCANDA DELLE FATE

This is another good band from Italy.

The lush opening tells me that this is not the type of hard rocking bombastic symphonic prog from Italy which has been my daily fare during the last weeks. Locanda Delle Fate drags the tempo down and consentrate their effort on understated lush, pastorial melodies. Melodies which slowly penetrates your skin and stays there.

The music is based on baroque and chamber music. Well, their music is basically chamber music, based on vocals and tangents (piano and keyboards) as it is. There are some flutes and guitars too here. Chamber music, this is.

The vocals is the strongest point of this album. The deep, opera influenced male vocals here is excellent. Oh, the vocalist's name is Leonardo Sasso. Praised be his abilities. The rest of the band too is excellent. So is the rest of the album. There is no real killer tracks here. But songs like Profumo di colla Bianca and Forse le lucciole non si amano più is really superb. But this album has this typical X factor lush feeling which seperate normal symphonic prog from Italian symphonic prog. An X factor you don't find in English, American, Scandinavian or any other European symphonic prog scenes. This album is one of the reasons I am exploring the Italian scene for more gems.......... gems like this album.

4 stars

There was definitely a long hiatus in my desire to sink my teeth into this marvelous RPI masterpiece, mainly because so many lustrous reviews have already been consecrated to the brilliance of this recording. But I got a bit anxious and decided that it was time to take a shot at it. While certainly breezier than the conventional rawer forms of the celebrated Italian Prog School, this jewel takes firmly its place on the pantheon of progressive classics. Why do you perhaps impudently ask? The gentle symphonics are majestic both in breath and scope, simple emotional ornamentations where everything gels to perfection, complex sections (what a fabulous drummer!) and extensive interplay. This can happen easily as there are 2 guitarists and 2 keyboardists who interweave with immense facility, gilding the arrangements with a wide spectrum of classical, jazz, Italian folk and rock frills, seemingly guided by confident impunity. The rustic elegance of the instrumental opener (isn't that the way all prog albums should start?) "A Volte un Instante di Quiete" coronates the disc with immediate class, savvy guitar and graceful piano on one side, shuffling rhythm section holding the wheel and Hammond and flute on the other side. Devastatingly effective, what a buzz when the gentle synth fanfare enters the fray, recalling classic early PFM and slings the listener straight to heaven when the guitar parallels the theme, riding shotgun with class and fervor . This juxtaposition is not just with the playing but also with the constantly shifting moods and the sonic mindgame being formatted by their muse. Absolute killer track! Bravo!The whopping title track is next , this time introducing Leonardo Sasso's warm and melancholic voice and blending well with the erect Michele Conta piano, the shimmering fragility is chilling , a harsh guitar riff and a blazing synth conspire to elevate this even higher , the vocals getting bolder, an adventurous series of slurpy licks on guitar. Some harpsichord like sounds (the brilliant clavicembalo) adorns this arrangement with impossible delicacy, letting this monster grow at its natural pace. The playing delves ever deeper into the elaborate emotional qualities so specific to Italian Prog, the piano doing supremely well warding off the sultry flute and ushering in the grandiose theme once again. Bravo 2! "Profumo di Colla Bianca" keeps the Ferrari pedal to the metal, not relenting a bit , now proposing a sibilant swirl that warmly envelopes the soul, pungent bass, seductive drums and a masterful piano (what a glorious instrument when well played , too bad it took me so many years to realize it fully!) pushing the melody along confidently. Sasso's splendid singing is more emotive yet still subdued at first, a dab of floral flute, some jangling guitar bits and beeping Polymoog patches. The music is eerily tasty and stylish, certainly some of the best RPI anywhere and we are just 3 tunes into the album!!!! Bravo 3 ."Cercando un Nuovo Confine" stays more into more traditional terrain, a pastoral romp that gets possessed at times but well within the dreamy streams of folk, a rural escapade into the Italian countryside. "Sogno di Estunno" is definitely rock, juicy guitars spurting nicely amid the flute follies, quieting down to get the mind reeling and, on a dime, reverting to getting the blood boiling anew. The Jethro Tull winks are obvious but the whistling synth solo comes as a pleasant surprise, the dripping piano Aqualunging forcefully. At the risk of repeating myself, the Giorgio Gardino drums are tantalizing, both in creativity and oomph!, a truly gifted percussor. Bravo 4 "Non Chiudere a Chiave le Stelle" glows with intense fire, a passionate ballad like only the Azurri can dish out, tender vocals and frail embellishments, a devastatingly gorgeous slice of prog. Bravo number 5! The stormy "Vendesi Saggezza" is a nearly 10 minute mini-epic that spans all the inherent qualities expressed by the musicians, where suggestive guitar leads, twirling flute and ominous backbone riffs keep this firmly anchored in the "tradizione", nothing fluffy or vapid, just a fine example of resourceful music that tries not to plagiarize or ride some nebulous fad, thus standing the test of time. Butterfly synths bubble with finesse and grace, solidly held by the drum control and macheted by some flowery guitar soars. Bravo 6! By this stage, there is little doubt we are in the presence of a gold mine album for all time. My hands hurt from the clap! (no not the STD!) "New York" is a short bonus track that fits well within the mood, a genial little marvel that perpetuates the glee with hardly a hint of weakening the effort; in fact the colossal chorus is to die for, an upward spiraling vortex of utter beauty, a high pitched voice (Ezio Vevey?) Bravo, the 7th ! . Definitely a keeper, a must addition for any serious prog collector, pizza and pasta lovers and anyone with a heartbeat. Sorry Johnny ! 5 dewy petals

Questa e piu bella musica

When I got my first LOCANDA DELLE FATE (Inn of the Fairies) release which was precisely "Forse le Lucciole non si Amano Più" (Maybe the Fireflies don't love any more) and due to the reviews I read in Prog Archives, I was expecting a typical Italian band with strong GENESIS influence.

Because I'm a huge fan of the Charterhouse School guys, searched for the classical sound, but to be honest I found absolutely no connection between LOCANDA DELLE FATE and GENESIS, so I re-read all the reviews and saw how YES or GENTLE GIANT were also mentioned, again couldn't find a single similarity or influence with any of the usual suspects, not even with the Italian Symphonic bands (Except for the language of course), but instead of disappointing me, this uniqueness made me respect them more, the music is so beautiful and original, that this guys have to be the real deal.

In first place, and despite the band counts with two keyboardists with two Hammond organs, the emphasis is placed in our old friend the piano, yes it's true that they have spectacular synth sections, but the piano is the instrument which carries the weight of the music, unlike any British pioneer and very few Italian Symphonic bands who enjoy the pomp and spectacularity of the Moog or the haunting beauty of the Mellotron instead of the acoustic sound of the Grand Piano.

Then I read that the vocals are similar to the ones by Francesco di Giacomo.....Sorry, but Leonardo Sasso has a totally different range, even when is obvious that the man has studied music, his voice is lower and raspier than BANCO'S virtuoso vocalist, but at the same time stronger and much more emphatic, ideal to play dramatic material.

But lets go to the music (please take care with the translations, most of them are literal because my Italian is rusty), "A Volta di un Instante di Quiete" (After an instant of silence) is a strong and brilliant opener, with strong Classical connections based in an impeccable piano performance and the pomp of Progressive Rock provided by the rest of the band. The flute works as a reliever between the initial and final vibrant passages, a magnificent opener that prepares the listener for great things.

The title song begins with an amazingly beautiful piano introduction that immediately links to a vocal passage where Leonardo Sasso makes a demonstration of energy and sensibility with his unusual range, but when everything seems soft, the drums and guitar announce a change. Without modifying the initial atmosphere, the instruments are added in a dance of sounds and moods, it's impressive how they add an almost Medieval flute to a Prog power ballad, absolutely heartbreaking.

Around the middle the band radically morphs into a frenetic passage where the keys add a strange Rock section at insane speed, just to return to the initial sound, .Special mention to Sasso, who provides all the power he's capable of working, the backing vocals create complex structures. Elaborate song with a beautiful melody.

If in the previous songs we could find beautiful melodies, "Profumo Di Colla Bianca" (Perfume of White Glue) is not the exception, the piano and vocals work as if both were a complex new instrument, one linked to the other as siamese twins, but because we are talking about a Prog band we can find elaborate guitar performances and sober drumming.

But despite all this excellent characteristics, what impresses me more of LOCANDA DELLE FATE is their sense of fluidity, the music flows gently from start to end in the only logical way it cans, any change could make them loose logic and coherence, but this contradictions never happen, everything is carefully crafted.

"Cercando Un Nuovo Confine" (Searching for a new Border) is the first time when I find some remote GENESIS influence in LOCANDA DELLE FATE, even when the song is so typically Italian in atmosphere, melody, instrumentation and vocals, Ezzio Vevy adds a Hackett touch in his guitar and a bit of Peter Gabriel in the flute, but not enough to consider it even a moderate influence, just a distant remembrance..

"Sogno di Estunno" (Dream of Summer Autumn) begins with a pastoral intro based in flute and keyboards but soon morphs into a strong vocal track with Leonardo Sasso providing a breathtaking performance. But the changes have to exist in this band, and as usual they jump to a Classical oriented passage with a brilliant piano and flute interplay, this time I find some ELP resemblance, but as usual it's only distant, because the sweetness of the music is hard to compare with any other band.

"Non Chiudere A Chiave Le Stelte" (Don't Lock the Stars) is a short and romantic acoustic interlude that links "Sogno di Estunno" with the powerful "Vendesi Saggezza" in which Leonardo Sasso gives one of his most memorable performances, adding not only his usual strength but also a sentimental touch unlike in any previous track.Even when the band moves from soft and melancholic mood to elaborate and complex musical passages, the voice remains as a constant. The final section is absolutely breathtaking and frantic adding a new sound to the song

The album ends with "New York" a strange song with a different vocalist that this time clearly reminds of GENESIS, even when less intricate and more fluid, good and unusual closer.

While writing this review I noticed a couple of things: LOCANDA DELLE FATE is a classical Italian band, with less complex arrangements than most bands of the region but obsessed with creating incredibly beautiful melodies and even when here's influence from some early Symphonic classics, this is more the logical consequence of two bands playing the same sub-genre, rather than one trying to sound like the other, because their music is absolutely unique, even for Italy.

The rating is clear for me, if we are talking about a unique album with no weak moments and outstanding music, I can't give them less than 5 stars.

An Essential masterpiece of Progressive Rock that deserves more recognition.than it gets.

A product of a second wave of Rock Progressivo Italiano, Locanda Delle Fate's debut (and only studio album during the 70s) never really grabs me. And if you read all the other slightly sceptic reviews for this album, you'll notice we're all pretty much in agreement as to why.

What you'll find on this album is remarkably pleasant; most often mellow, by-the-book symphonic prog. The rich, subtle arrangements of Genesis, with democratic distribution of guitar and keys in intertwined, delicate arrangements. You know?that slowly moving melange where you find dynamics in a smaller scale rather than in the bigger structures. Add to that some of Camel's syrupy feel-good melody-making and dreaminess à la The Snow Goose taken a bit further, played with silken gloves and almost fairy-tale timbre and motifs at times. The more Italian bits are the prominent, gladly rollicking piano that enriches so much of the peninsula's music. There is some nice flute interplay to be found as well. All in all, not much to complain about objectively, if you're interested in this type of sound. Lush and warm for the most part, often complex and intricate arrangements to enjoy along the way, with this laid-back, romantic atmosphere likely encountered before in (for example) PFM's or Banco's lighter compositions if you've dabbled in the sub-genre before. Leonardo Sasso's vocals even remind me a bit of Francesco DiGiacomo at times, only less intense and operatic. And to add another positive thing, the textures can be a real treat with the full sound dual keys and dual guitar can provide.

It is truly disappointing then, that as the album unfolds, things never really change. You're just drenched in a seemingly endless assault of what's mentioned above. There is absolutely no album dynamics, but just this sweet, symphonic, gluey mass to wade through. It's just boringly flat. Even worse is that when given time, you'll start to notice how uninspired some of the melodies and motifs are. They feel like routine, based on instruction more than the heat of the moment. And I miss the joy that could have been such a great complement to this music. And when the band honestly tries to stir things up a little, with some heavy guitar riffs and a little contrast, there is this clearly noticeable conflict present; a will to break out of the mould as well as being eager not to disturb the oh-so-precious flow already established. And in holding this sacred, the album loses a lot of energy and ear-opening effect to preserve a tedious consistency. Where is the drama!? As a result, the album easily drifts away from you and takes place as nice background music, but nothing else.

Locanda Delle Fate is obviously a group that had the potential to make something great, with the assembled musicianship present, but this, the safe way, wasn't the way to realise that. I certainly understand the raving reviews about the heart-wrenching beauty and romantic grandeur, but if you scrape a bit on that glossy surface, you'll perhaps realise the flaws of the concept as well. A bit too derivative, a bit to flat, a bit too uninteresting. And far from an essential RPI work.

Choose for yourself.

3 stars, by a hair.

//LinusW

It's hard to find any prog music elements down here with this album. This Italian prog band actually has excellent virtuosity in composing good music. Look at this album. I believe you all agree with me that in terms of melody, almost all song presented here are catchy and they comprise notes with catchy melody. The way the singers sing also indicate how emotive the compositions are. Musically, they also generate good harmonies resulted from each instrument played by the musician. In terms of structural integrity of each song is quite good and solid. But as far as my personal taste the music sounds too boring for me because it's much more pop than prog or rock. So, I get bored very quickly. Yes, I do enjoy the Italian lyrics even though I don't understand. But that is not the only thing if the overall attractiveness is not here. All music sounds too simple here with this album. One thing is excellent for sure is the sonic quality of the record.

Overall, I leave it up to you on how you view this album. To me, this sounds like an Italian pop song with very very (or even not at all) prog elements. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

One of those generally (and typically) over-acclaimed Italian "masterpieces", LDF's sole studio album is a textbook example of why I'm not part of the mob screaming genius to the massive prog output out of the peninsula. Don't get me wrong, FLLNSAP is a good album and a typical Italian product of its generation (but the second wave instead of the first), but we're a far cry from Jumbo, Picchio Dal Pozzo, Perigeo, Flea/Etna, Celeste or QVL (my personal Italian faves), but also from BMS, PFM and LO. Like too many "Italian classics", I find that their music is too wordy, which is often the case when there is a full-time singer that doesn't play an instrument (thus making the group a septet with a dual keyboard attack), but unlike many others, this remark only applies to some of the tracks on this album, as there are some (wish for more) wide-open spaces for instrumental interplay.

The trouble is with this album is that it's got written all over it "derivative from the first wave groups beit from Italy or England" and in that regard can be compared to Druid, Fruup or Yezda Urfa and more. I'm not saying that this inspiration job (no matter over how many artistes) is so obvious that it becomes insufferable; but it is noticeable enough that you hear right away the moments when LDF is actually being themselves, and t is during those (too rare) occasions, that their music is at its best. Starting on a very interesting instrumental that promises much (maybe too much) for the rest of the album, the very next piece has a Yes-crossed-BMS aura (especially the Howe-like guitars), even though the flute is simply haunting (Vevey is simply all over the melodic lines in this alnum). The following tracks are always carrying over that same flaw (just shuffle around the names in the influences brackets), especially on the most aggressive track of the album Sogno Di Estunno, where they cross Yes and GG. On the whole, besides the opening track, the splendid (but lengthy) closing Vendesi Saggezza is probably the album's best track.

As usual with bonus tracks on Italian prog album, it doesn't have much to do with the album, but surprisingly enough it doesn't stand out like a sore thumb (like in Paese de Ballocchi for ex) and it is fairly well recorded. A distracted listen wouldn't probably detect its different source, but since prog is not about background music.. Soooooo, there is no doubt that LDF's lush and complex Italian symphonic prog should please the vast majority of progheads, and Forse is the textbook example of those single shot Italian "pearls" made to please those ultra-symphonic music fans. Just not for me

How beautiful...This songs all are very impressing.

Very impressed and shocked. When I listened to the song Forse le lucciole non si amano più for the first time, I can't help weepin'. Clear melody might run around my brain and heart. With hoppin' to a CD shop I've bought the album. Oh, the sleeve is as dramatic as the song.

Anyway, back to a discussion about the group LOCANDA DELLE FATE. As almost all of Italian Progressive rock fans say, LOCANDA DELLE FATE is one of the most beautifully-melodious groups of all Italian progressive rock ones. Of course I should agree this opinion. The mysterious and anonymous but very famous in Italian progressive rock freaks band released only one studio product...regretfully.

The content of the only one album...as expected, there are full of brilliant tunes and melodies in it. We can NEVER complain and hesitate to say about this. I can say the melody born by them is the most beautiful in the world of Italian progressive rock. But sadly I'm afraid the beauty is overwidened and their rhythm or power are shrinked. Otherwise, they might try harder to make Italian progressive style into their beautiful melody, and I can hear they should overforce and the style should get to be exaggerated. The style is, I consider, a bit inappropriate for their identity.

Although I said as above, good work is so good. I wanna give 3 stars to the album.

01. A Volte Un Istante Di Quiete Thrilling start with the piano, so the whole band intrumental in this long and delicious. The line of low Luciano is brilliant and the guitars of Ezio and Alberto make a perfect couple too, the battery is another highlight of Giorgio. Of strong melody and full details of the opening track is an example of what is to be the disc, melodic, complex, beautiful and wild at the same time.

02. Forse Le Lucciole Non Si Amano Più Here we begin the most beautiful songs of the progressive world, and largely responsible for this is the Leonardo Sasso who owns one of the most beautiful voices that is no record in world history. Here we have all the features of the opening instrumental track, with the advantage of voice. The full complexity of keyboards, bass and drums, perfect, and the thousands of scattered instruments, flutes, many keyboards, guitars and guitars. The middle of the song, vocal support 'macabre' like talking to the main character, beautiful guitar orchestra. Simply perfect!

03. Profumo Di Colla Bianca Beginning enigmatic! Some sounds of 'air' to the bottom of everything, everything starts with the Hammond, perfect voice, pianos and more. It is a great advantage to have two tecladistas and even more when the two know what to do. Flutes give epic touches to everything, and make the beauty increase further. An instrumental piece, full of sound 'engraçadinhos' and at the same time, sensational, an organized mess. The final session instrumental is another example of virtuosity in defense of the song.

04. Cercando Un Nuovo Confine Stop all that about Un Nuovo Confine begun! The initial guitar and vocal, but with this I would die happy and satisfied, but still has the piano and vocal. The music itself is something unimaginable, the final result with his guitar playing in unison and always sensational voice, I question melodic fella 's memorable souvenirs. I wish it had more bands that sound.

05. Sogno Di Estunno The beginning with flute and piano, the low bass drum near the grave of the battery, is increasing ... This here is the explosion of the band. Synthesizers, pianos, mellotrons, moogs, is the paradise of the keys. The beauty comes out of loudspeakers, invades the room and creates a series of experiments without even leaving the place.

06. Non Chiudere A Chiave Le Stelle Mellotron and guitar, little by little the band will start feeling the desire for more of a classic Italian beauty. Here are the main voice of Leonardo, are Ezio and Alberto, who also managed to print a unique beauty to the song. What band My God! That band.

This disk has thousands of different versions, and have no idea if this version I have is the original or not, I know I have a CD released in the 90 which has two bonus songs, but it is difficult conseeguir a informção certa.Sinceramente I wanted most bands that had followed the course of Locanda Delle Fate, and then they even had the bar guentando another pouco.Se you do not feel touched by the sound of the guys you just do not have heart!

www.progshine.com

The epitome of overrated Italian progressive rock. A strong vocal presence in the vein of Banco. Musically proficient, but they have that _sound like_ factor going on, as in _they sound like Banco_ or _they sound like Genesis_. If that doesn't bother you, then by all means check it out. I enjoy a lot of Italian Progressive Rock like PFM, CELESTE, PICCHIO DAL POZZO, LATTE E MIELE, LE ORME, AREA and BANCO's _Di Terra_ album(entirely instrumental). Locanda Delle Fatte sound like all of the above, but with a strong vocal presence leaving little room to stretch out.. Nothing original here and definitely in the second string of Italian prog.rock bands and one shot albums. In the same league as Il Volo, Errata Corrige, Maxophone, etc. There aren't many one shot albums by Italian bands tha tickle my fancy, save the first DEDALUS cd. For fans who wish to collect Italian obscurities only - you may be pleasantly surprised. Locanda Delle Fatte, however, didn't do a thing for me(actually grew more agrivated on repeated listens). I rank this band in the overrated file alongside with Spain's MEZQUITA and the USA's YEZDA URFA. Try the sample of Locanda Delle Fate titled _Forse Le Lucciole Non Si Amano Più_ on this website. The whole album sounds like the title track.

I just can't get into this one at all.I read how beautiful and pastoral it was supposed to be,but found it to be neither for the most part.I think the vocals probably inhibit my ability to feel the wonder or emotion for that matter.Sure there are flashes here and there,but there are so many Italian bands and albums that in my opinion overwhelm this one with their majesty,beauty and emotion. I like the way it starts with the instrumental "A Volte Un Istante Di Quiete".I really like the piano and drumming in this one, as well as the flute led section 2 1/2 minutes in. "Forse Le Lucciole Non Si Amano Piu" opens with piano as reserved vocals come in.The vocals and sound gets more passionate after 1 1/2 minutes.I like the guitar 3 minutes in. "Profumo Di Colla Bianca" is spacey to begin with.Lots of synths as drums beat casually.Vocals a minute in then piano.A fairly relaxing song. "Cercando Un Nuovo Confine" features lots of acoustic guitar with fragile vocals early before piano arrives.I really like the vocal section 1 1/2 minutes in and later at 6 minutes.Some nice flute as well. "Sogno Di Estunno" opens pleasantly until guitar and aggressive vocals change the mood.Synths and piano are prominant during the calm sections. "No Chiudere A Chiave Le Stelle" is laid back with relaxing vocals a minute in. "Vendesi Saggezza" opens with piano and synths.Vocals begin fairly restrained but get passionate quickly.The guitar 2 1/2 minutes in with flute and drums is the best part on the whole album.It goes on until about 3 1/2 minutes.One minute of heaven.Back to vocals,piano and synths.A nice full sound with guitar 7 1/2 minutes in.I like the first and last songs the most. Without question a good album, that personally doesn't have what i need to give it 4 stars.