LE MANI

Undiscovered Italian Classic Symph gem,led by the charismatic figure of Claudio Fucci.Fucci had already released a pastoral solo Folk-Prog album a couple of years before joining LE MANI,where he collaborated with keyboardist Dario Piana,the man who had created the beautiful cover of Fucci's personal release.The band was to be recording for Trident Label,however this label soon went broken and the band's work remained unfinished and forgotten until 2006,when their five complete songs were released on a self-titled mini-CD album by Vinyl Magic.

Opener ''Tarantella'' is absolutely fascinating with great organ sounds of Classical inspiration in the vein of LE ORME,while you should add some lovely flutes creating CAMEL/PFM-like melodies.The follower ''Il Palazzo'' is even nicer.A complex organ/sax/bass introduction gives space to the romantic sax lines of Roberto Bianconi,the light keys of Piana and the thrilling voice of Fucci.Great songwriting with a emotional feeling.Towards the end a fine Classicaly- inspired short instrumental section with warm flutes and organ all around makes the track even more intricate and challenging.''Canto'' is another great track in the line,this one features acoustic guitars and sweet multi-vocal parts blended with some pleasant strong rhythmic organ and driving flutes to remind of BLOCCO MENTALE's masterpiece.After the eponymous short piano solo of Piana based on atmosphere,LE MANI's album follows the tradition of many Italian Classic Prog acts (see LE ORME,BLOCCO MENTALE etc.),closing the album with a magnificent ballad led by piano,flutes and the awesome vocal lines of Fucci.

This is 70's Italian prog at its very best.Only negative points are the lack of a strong personality and the limited length of the album,leaving you wanting for more...but the music in here is full of surprises!Skip these slight disadvantages and purchase if you ever run on this album.