UNA VITA UNA BALENA BIANCA E ALTRE COSE

For me, the cover is perfect. A simple engraving, essentially monochrome, so unassuming at first glance. But then the simple lines draw you in, until you see that the thickly muscled monster (Polyphemus?) is holding a pig over its head. Then you open the cover and see a ship in the distance, apparently the target of the impending pig toss. The moment is beautifully captured, suspended in time, inviting the viewer to look beyond the simple form and experience the depths lying behind it.

So it is with the beautiful, pastoral, folk-infused music of Stefano Testa. This album richly rewards those who repeatedly and patiently listen. There are depths to be discovered, complexities not immediately noted. Testa's pleasant Italian voice is complemented by layers of acoustic guitar, bass, drums, flute, and even occasionally accordion or strings. The 16 minute "Una Vita" is for me the best of the album, but there's no weakness here; just song after song with beautiful melodies and sonic textures brilliantly crafted.

Enjoy this RPI masterpiece of the late 1970's while you can. What a treasure!

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