GENEALOGIA

Of the big three italian jazz-rock bands from the seventies (along with Arti & Mestieri and Area), Perigeo is certainly the most average. They don't blend jazz and symphonic; they play only instrumental tracks; they don't show particular political ideas. For these reasons, they are considered the least interesting of the big three; probably the less italian musically. They even seem to be completely overlooked by many fans of the genre. And it's a real pity 'cause the band is composed by very talented musicians who play a very elegant and refined jazz rock. They even know very well how to go wild and crazy at times.

Genealogia (1974) is their third record and follows the classic Abbiamo Tutti un Blues da Piangere (1973). The 1974 album sounds to me more varied but unfortunately the band leaves behind any vocalising. On the other hand, fortunately, they manage to create an unique atmosphere with the addition of acoustic guitars and saxophones. The most interesting track is the fantastic self titled opener which sounds a lot like a medieval dance, somehow unusual in the jazz rock genre. Other highlights are the explosive Polaris with its light crescendo and excellent work on electric piano and the strong (In) Vino Veritas (the longest track of the album being over 6:40 mns) where they give you a taste of their electric guitar playing. Pretty good the harder sound of this intrument and the slightly dissonant arrengements. The most proggy performance here.

The closing numbers Old Vienna and Sydney's Call are the least relevant while Via Beato Angelico is a nice soft tune opening with keys liquid effect and then enter a pleasant quasi-latin incursion thanks to congas.

Not a masterpiece, perhaps. Sure it is one of the band's crowing achievemts. Rockier than anything from their past.