BUON VECCHIO CHARLIE

4.5 stars. You have to wonder if there are any other gems like this yet to be unearthed. Recorded in 1971 yet never relased, this one was unearthed and released some twenty years after the fact ! And the bonus of course is that this is a must for RPI fans, it's that good. It's challenging and varied with excellent vocals, and the guitar, sax, flute, drums and bass are all outstanding. Oops I forgot about the keyboards which are great as well.

"Venite Giu Al Fiume" is the over 12 minute opener and my favourite. Flute opens the proceedings and it kicks in quickly. Guitar before 1 1/2 minutes sounds great as drums pound and bass throbs. I really like the sax and organ before 2 minutes and the bass, drums and guitar that follows. More organ as the flute returns. This is jazzy. It settles before 4 minutes as reserved vocals join in. I keep thinking of Swedish bands when the flute comes in, and it's back along with a fuller sound. It kicks back in before 5 1/2 minutes as the tempo picks up. The organ then starts to rip it up. Nice bass too. Sax after 8 1/2 minutes.This sounds amazing ! The guitar after 10 minutes lights it up as the bass and drums continue.

"Ewiva La Contea Di Lane" is pastoral to open with gentle guitar as fragile vocals join in. I like when the vocals stop and the flute comes in. Organ, bass and drums follow. These themes are repeated. Sax after 5 minutes and it gets a little dissonant. I like this band (haha). "All'uomo Che Raccoglie I Cartoni" is the 15 minute closer. Gentle guitar to open as flute joins in. It kicks in before 1 1/2 minutes. Nice sax too. It settles again with organ this time. It kicks back in with some excellent guitar before 3 minutes. The tempo continues to change as it settles again before 5 1/2 minutes with gentle guitar like the intro. Drums and sax 6 minutes in and the guitar follows. Vocals for the first time before 7 minutes and they do get passionate. The organ is back. A nice full sound after 9 1/2 minutes. It settles a minute later then turns jazzy. Flute then sax before 13 minutes. It picks up late.

It's finds like this that make the search worthwhile. Thanks again Todd !