OPERA PRIMA

Mellotron. mellotron. and more mellotron, garnished with organ , side of C3 Hammond and sautéed with piano. "Opera Prima" is a symphonic concept-story opera written back in the golden era of early 70's Ital-Prog centered around the warm analog sounds of keyboards. In many ways "Opera Prima" stylistically approaches the fine work of IL PAESE DEI BALOCCHI and some fringe elements of ELP. Rustichelli performs all the lovely keyboard work while Bordini supports with his classic and complex percussive and drum, talents. This is richly textured music, which is full of grandeur and highly skilled performances. The warm keyboard sounds are simply to die for with loads of heavy analog symphonia! Vocals are slightly guttural (deep & dark) but well done and nicely suits the music. There are no guitars or bass played on this album and to be honest is not missed. The re-mastered transfer to CD is fantastic and offers great sound quality which really brings out the fullness and richness of sound. Overall "Opera Prima" contains some truly unforgettable progressive rock moments and is an essential recording for lovers of 70's Italian Symphonic prog.