MATTEO

In 1978 Fogli decided to turn the back to his pop roots and record an ambitious album, close to the likes of Classic Italian Prog.Based on a fantasy concept captured by his producer Giancarlo Lucariello, the work ''Matteo'' dealt with the strange story of a man, who was born old and grew younger through the sands of time.However Fogli's record company rejected it for being too ''difficult'' and far from the accesible style of his previous works.Thanks to the efforts of the Italian magazine Raro! the album was eventually pressed in 1000 copies and released in 1999 on the magazine's independent Raro! Records.

And it would be a pitty of it was not, because this one belongs among the widely unknown gems of Italian Prog, having an elaborate sound based on lush, symphonic arrangements and the overall style recalls bands such as CELESTE, LE ORME and ERA DI ACQUARIO, although some pop hints are still present.Extremely sophisticated music with majestic orchestrations and lots of breaks of Classical nature, while you should add the stronger presence of electric guitars compared to any other album by Fogli.Words are very poor to describe Fogli's incredible voice, definitely one of the best singers ever to perform in Italy.The man captures the concept with comfort and rises it to another level with his crystalline chords.All tracks are absolutely satisfying with very dramatic instrumental moves, characterized by delicate harsichord, soft organ and depressive string lines, while the vocal parts are tremendous as already mentioned.The atmosphere is grandiose and cinematic with a tight connection between the tracks and efficient music performances.''Salutando un amico che va via'' should belong among the classics of the genre, a monster example of elegant Italian Prog with extended piano and acoustic textures, highlighted by the smooth flute lines, the angular moog synthesizers and the pompous orchestral keyboards.

Of course Fogli's career couldn't have been slowed down by a single unfortunate moment, regarding his fail to release this album on time, and he kept producing solo albums for over 30 years, all in a Vocal/Pop style.However ''Matteo'' is considered as his absolute artistic pinnacle.Quite unfair, this one remains also his less known work ever.Beautiful Italian Orchestral Prog/Pop with a genuine atmosphere.No less than highly recommended.