DOLCE ACQUA

Dolce Acqua was the first of the three albums released by Delirium during their official activity (1971-1975). The only with Ivano Fossati, who left to become a famous (pop) singer-songwriter. The album if often regarded by many as a their masterpiece due to the large range of influences and genres (from jazz to folk and even hints of world music!!!). After having compared it with the following records for such a long time, I cannot agree with them. Ok, this is a very important album, one of the first examples of prog in Italy. There's also a huge variety of styles and influences on it. Not enough, though, to overshadow their third one, known as "Viaggio negli Arcipelaghi del Tempo".

Dolce Acqua is the only true "prog-folk" album ever released by the band. Acoustic instruments (guitars and classic piano) and flute. The jazzy vein is already quite evident and strong in songs as "To Satchmo, Bird and Other Unforgettable Friendd (Dolore)". A freely arranged composition that reminds me, somehow, the first album of Jethro Tull (This Was) in songs as "Serenade to a Cuckoo". Flute is very well played and it was one of Delirium's trade mark along with the deep, charismatic and, sometimes, rough vocals.

The album also features wonderful melodic tracks as "Favola o Storia del Lago di Kriss (Libertà)" with the contribution of strings in the coda section. In the cd version their most famous track ever is added: "Jesahel". This one was initially a single published in early 1971 and remains, still nowadays, their most important hit and one of the most memorable italian tunes ever.

In conclusion, Dolce Acqua is certainly worth of special mention, due in particular to its kindness and delicate variety of sounds and roots, from jazz to folk to melodic, with sparse (but important) echoes from Jethro Tull. Excellent for it drawed the line of what rock progressivo italiano could have been but it wasn't then. Dolce Acqua came before the arrival and the success of all those symphonic bands we all know very well. At that time, Delirium were already there along with very few bands and artists as, mainly, Le Orme, New Trolls and I Giganti...Jethro Tull were so strong at that time.

The following album Lo Scemo e il Villaggio is better if you want to listen to more complex sound.