VOCI

"When I composed Voci my main aim was to get rid of the symphonic rock sound clichés, and bring music to a total dimension. My academic training helped me to form and structure melody, harmony and rhythm in order to create a kind of sonic phase, far away from foreign influences able to reach the sun-rays of sonic universe in those days. In all tracks I tried to sound alive, highlighting expressive dynamics, looking for more innovation and a new approach to counterpoints. Voci is a record that still surprises me after more than 30 years although my composing work has taken a very different course nowadays." [Luciano Basso, July 2007]

Luciano Basso is a keyboard extraordinaire from Venice who started playing as a child of 10 years old. He had a deep musical education, is a composer and concert performer, and currently teaches music as well. He has recorded many albums that I have not heard, this first one I believe is the most "prog" while later material became more in the contemporary classical music style. Voci is a dynamic instrumental powerhouse with much life and vigor, and album guaranteed to delight fans of solid composition, virtuoso piano playing, and those who enjoy strings in their prog.

You know when you hear the first notes of piano wonderfully accompanied by the violin, that this album is going to be a special one. It is so alive.it breathes. The composition is elaborate and satisfying, dreamy and longing. Eventually the piece is bolstered by the soaring guitar of Michele Zorzi whose airborn leads appear in several places over this album. The song ends with a full band rock section including bass, drums, guitar, and mellotron. "Promenade 1" is an energetic swath of progressive rock which sounds like a mix of Italian and English influences. The clavinet is featured prominently in this one. In "Promenade 2" the piece begins with the interplay of Basso's piano and the outstanding bass of Mauro Periotto, soon with the added punch of the drums and the elegance of strings on top of everything. There are some quirky sections in this piece that are alternated with the sections of solo piano that sound like rain falling down, sprinkling beautifully over everything. Basso likes to develop about 3 easily recognizable themes in each piece and then he bounces back and forth from one to the other giving the album much continuity and flow. I think you could make the case that this both helps and hinders the album. On the one hand it makes "Voci" seem undeniably well-constructed and solid from a thematic standpoint. To play devil's advocate one could say that the album is a bit safe and lacks the crazy experimentation of the daring wing of the Italian school. Those who live for the wild ride of Semiramis or Ys might find Basso's debut to be a bit traditional, a bit of a "bourbon and cigars" side of prog.

On side 2 the title track "Voci" begins with heavenly piano runs over mellotron, really quite beautiful. Two minutes in Basso is joined by driving drums and bass, and also violin. That falls away back to solo piano. The electric guitar enters and begins to play notes in unison to the piano with occasional rhythm hits for emphasis. There is a short rock section leading back to the opening piano runs and then to the rocking parts again. "Echo" begins with angelic choirs against grand organ, really dramatic. This gives way to piano and violin of a somber mood. Drums and lead guitar usher in a more hopeful vibe with the choirs returning. Then the song shifts to a jazzier feel with some playful jamming on guitar and keys. Soon we return to the "hopeful" section with the sunny choirs and back again to the jamming part. Basso's piano fittingly closes the album with cello behind him. A short bonus track called "Mignon" is tacked on unfortunately, the sound quality so bad it adds nothing of value to such an outstanding album.

There is no doubt in my mind that "Voci" is a solid 4 star album that would make a great addition to any prog collection, whether you like Italian prog or not. It may well be a masterpiece for which 4 stars is conservative. I hold back because I do prefer a bit more of the "edge" that other Italian groups would use to zest up material like this, an example being something like the second QVL album. But I can take nothing else away from Voci: this is an outstanding, classy album that will knock most of you flat on your arse. If you love a classical influence, violins and piano, with solid instrumental rock backing you cannot go wrong here. The Vinyl Magic mini is a nice gatefold reproduction although the booklet is surprisingly meager compared to their usual release.

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