Area - Jazz Fusion or Prog Rock Italiano?

Todd wrote: Clearly there will be debate about things like this.  Here's my perspective: if I were new to Area, where would I most likely come across them and discover their greatness?  RPI.  Sure, there are some JRF elements.  But there are other elements as well, and the best RPI bands of the 70s were a great amalgamation of many influences seen in Italy, including jazz, avant, opera, classical, folk, fusion, psychedelic, and symphonic prog.  Clearly, each had their own spin and unique blend of influence.  But in Area's case, both for the music and the historical importance, not to mention the newbie litmus test, Area is best served in RPI.  I once talked to a guy who fairly convincingly argued that Area was more avant than anything!   And I too am grateful for the separate RPI subgenre, which is a tremendous asset to the site in my opinion.

Roc, I've said multiple times now that it is not simply a geog thing to me, nor is it to Todd.  But I appreciate your opinions. 

^ Exactly!  Their blend of jazz, avant, and rock, along with addressing many of the issues in 1970s Italy (as far as I understand that, anyway) and their solid place in the pantheon of RPI giants . . . well, it's an easy call from my point of view.

Logan wrote: I'd rather like to see Area in Eclectic.

Ha Greg!  You'll have to wrestle them from our cold, dead hands.....   then we'll come back from the dead and steal them anyway

It's uncomfortably somewhere in between. It was rivetting when the vocalist closed his mouth.