CELESTE II

3.5 stars. It was great to see the two positive reviews from Hugues and James here because there isn't much love for this posthumous release in Prog circles. Maybe it's because people are comparing it to their debut which is considered a masterpiece by many including myself. Maybe it's the complete change in styles from the pastoral beauty of the debut to the jamming Jazz / Rock. I don't know but I think the criticism is a little unfair. CELESTE were working on their followup but disbanded before recording the album. Mellow Records has released over 71 minutes of music here and some of the songs are of demo quality and feel unfinished. Regardless there is enough amazing music on here that it gets me excited just thinking about it. I've not given this 4 stars because of two of the longer tracks (5 & 6) that just don't sound that good, and that's over 22 minutes of music right there. On the other hand i'm so into this album that i've actually burned myself a cd out of my original copy that consists of around 45 minutes worth of fantastic music. I love these tracks where they simply jam. I just get lost in the music and hope it never ends.

Some of the highlights include the short mellotron laden opener and the followup "Bassa Marea" where the mellotron binge continues but this time with a beat. Amazing sound ! "Un Mazzo Di Ortiche" is a 13 minute jam that is laid back with prominant bass and sax.The pace picks up before 4 1/2 minutes and vocals join in. It calms right down before 7 1/2 minutes.The sax is back later. Love this stuff. "Sette Ottavi" features vibes, sax, mellotron and a beat leading early on.The bass is chunky 1 1/2 minutes in.Soon the mellotron and vibes stop but they return later on.

"Slancio Dell'Immaginazione" opens with piano, light drums and bass. Synths replace the piano and then sax replaces the synths as they continue to trade off. "Un'Anima Nell'Universo" sounds incredible as well with the piano, drums, bass and flute standing out. "Nodissea" features sax before a minute as the piano and bass continue. Flute before 2 1/2 minutes. "Ala Del Pensiero" has this beat with piano, bass, mellotron and sax standing out. So good.

It's a shame not to give this 4 stars but as I said, on the whole it's not worth that rating because of some clunkers they should have omitted. Oh well i'm so thankful to own this for all the other amazing tunes.