The Italian Prog Appreciation den

So glad to hear it--it's such a fertile, diverse field that there will be something for every progressive fan if they keep looking.

Here's another most would consider third tier (definitions-- first tier: under the radar for the general prog enthusiast--the big names like Banco, PFM, etc; second tier: way under the radar--Procession, RRR, etc; third tier: way way under the radar--hundreds, like Panseri and Gianinni)

Edit: I love how they use Jim's review on the Mellow Bandcamp page without giving any credit!

The bonus tracks on the Maxophone Mellow (and BTF reissue) are the 1977 single with Il Fischio del Vapore as the A-side (which is great) and Cono di Gelato as the B-side (which is not).

^ Samuel, I think this is a far too common problem. In haste to cash in on the vinyl resurgence, too many companies are reissuing these vinyls with no thought put into the sources. And people are buying them unawares, thinking that just because it's on vinyl that the sound will be warm and natural as on the original issues. So very frustrating to have to sort through so many issues to find that sound, especially when RPI original vinyls are so rare and expensive. A friend whom I trust told me that the second issue editions in the late 70s have the same great sound as the originals but are less expensive, for what it's worth.

Also, regarding that Maxophone album, if you like the warm natural sound of the original vinyl, the best CD version to have is the Mellow CD. The King CD has the same sound but doesn't have the bonus tracks. The AMS/BTF gatefold issue doesn't sound as good, being mastered and tweaked.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmU_dS_7qi8&list=PLE77B1E2384794B7F