MI CHIAMO PIERO

A truly obscure and lost release by yet another Italian progressive band that issued a single album before vanishing, 1972's `Mi Chiamo Piero (My Name Is Piero)' by the trio PIERO EZIO E TINO is a fascinating blend of inventive pop, experimental instrumentation and charming vocals. Newly rediscovered, although the album constantly sticks to a mature pop format, there seems to be a real cracking inspiration as the players add all sorts of intricate musical ideas rich with subtle complexity.

The three main members make a big impression on this. In addition to all being outstanding vocalists in the proper charismatic and passionate RPI tradition, Piero Cairo himself creates a very hallucinatory and hazy atmosphere with his glistening keyboards, while Ezio Cristiani and Tino Nergri's guitar, flute and bass make for a deeply psychedelic and dreamy mix. Also, considering they're only credited as extra musicians, Sergio Chiesa's drumming just tears through the arrangements and Roberto Ferracin's organ is pleasingly restrained for greater effect.

Just listen to the variety shown on the opening title track alone - a dazzling near five minute mini- suite of spoken word, background ambient noise, gentle acoustic thoughtfulness and haunted vocals. The rather downbeat piece quietly and constantly builds in tension before launching into a commanding upbeat Hammond organ middle with a strong vocal singing a catchy refrain.

On `Il Cavallo Cingolato', Piero really sounds a lot like the lead singer of RPI band Delirium here, with a gravelly and scratchy voice that's so fascinating to listen to. Beginning with warped electronics, it's a sprightly and upbeat poppy number with swirling Hammond runs and a hugely uplifting chorus that will really make you smile! Great combination of big drumming, loud piano and orchestral grandiosity throughout too.

`Prima Che Sia Qui La Notte' seamlessly weaves around dramatically serious musical themes and driving Italian pop balladry, full of glistening and experimental organ, keyboard effects and a supremely confident lead vocal. `Orizzonte Che Vai' is a delicate and downbeat lullaby with sparse percussion, drifting keys, harpsichord and acoustic guitar. Spacey electronics, wilting flute and warm percussion flirts around the jazzy combo of `Tutto Passa Tra La Gente' and `Io Non So Il Tuo Nome', two impossibly subtle and hugely melodic numbers. The urgent `Una Cosa Da Niente' is filtered with psychedelic quivering keyboards, urgent jazzy piano and forceful drumming, shame about the somewhat abrupt ending just as it could really take off!

The playful `Un Filo D'Erba' has a romantic lead vocal crooning amongst a playful flute/bass/percussion combination, interrupted by some bombastic brass instruments and acoustic guitar bliss. `Cento Lire Di Musica' has dazzling dreamy verses before wild drumming, other-wordly treated vocals and some slightly bent trumpeting give it all a very unsettling and psychedelic edge - a wonderful track! The longer `Rugiada Gelata' is a real mix of styles too - 60's pop orchestration mixed with some very brooding piano and maniacal drumming, treated raspy vocals, harsh electronics and floating trumpet that creates a very disorientating sensation.

`Un Uomo Se He Va' is a gorgeous acoustic guitar and piano ballad with strong pleading vocals, yet there's a very odd fade-out mid song that heads towards a psychedelic turn before seemingly changing it's mind and carrying on where the piece first left off! But the album wraps beautifully on a lovely organ-driven piece `Ma Lui Non C'era'. It's another classy ballad with acoustic guitar and organ one minute, then alternates back and forth with a faster mid-tempo step where the drums build in urgency, the bass bounces around and the acoustic guitar turns wilder. It's a very pleasant and sophisticated way to wrap the album.

Despite several of the songs almost having a reflective and downbeat mood, the instrumentation frequently brings in so many positive and uplifting qualities. The confidence, restraint and talent on display on this album is hugely rewarding, as it bridges between pop, sophisticated adult balladry and light RPI seamlessly.

If you wanted to hear a pop LP, with `Mi Chiamo Piero' you'll find a ground-breaking and inventive album full of depth and musical maturity, but if you were looking for a great Italian prog album, you'll find a release that balances all the experimental touches with a keen melodic sense and memorable hooks.

An album truly in desperate need to a nice reissue, so it can be appreciated, rediscovered and finally given the respect it deserves.

Four stars.