DUELLO MADRE

DUELLO MADRE may have released only one album (1973) but they were seasoned musicians at this point in their careers, with the guitarist and bass player coming from OSAGE TRIBE and the drummer from CIRCUS 2000. There is also a sax / flute player (who along with the guitarist wrote all the songs) and some guest keyboards on this album. I should mention that after this band broke up the bass player would go on to play with IL VOLO while the drummer would play with NOVA. I have to say upfront that i'm addicted to this album and I have to thank Todd for the recommendation.There's something understated about this record yet at the same time it brings me so much excitement. A contridiction in terms I know but this is truly a delicate feast for the ears, a recording that needs to be listened to closely to be fully appreciated. This really grew on me.

"Aquile Blu" is spacey, almost haunting to open before reserved vocals arrive after a minute as the sound changes. Nice bass here too. Great sound 2 minutes in as the tempo picks up. It settles again as bass throbs. Love Finnforest's line about the bass playing here: "...he likes to lay down a fat lead riff and just drive it into the sunset". So true. Sax comes in after 3 1/2 minutes and leads the way. Just incredible playing here by the whole band. Vocals are back 6 1/2 minutes to end it. "Momento" continues with the same vibe as the first track as the bass throbs while drums, sax and keys impress. A change before 2 minutes as it calms right down and returns with gentle acoustic guitar. Flute joins in and then it kicks back into gear after 4 minutes. Nice guitar !

"Otto" opens with drums while bass and sax follow. Intricate sounds with some great interplay here. Guitar 3 minutes in starts to make some noise as the sax retreats. The sax is back ! I really like the drumming 4 1/2 minutes in and the guitar that follows. Excellent bass 6 minutes in. "Madre" is the longest track at 10 1/2 minutes. A little flair to open before it settles with smooth sax and keys. A calm 3 minutes in as the sound changes (great section) then it kicks back in after 4 1/2 minutes. Love the guitar 7 1/2 minutes in and then the sax takes the lead but it's brief as the guitar lights it up. More sax as the battle it out. It turns pastoral 9 minutes in to the end. "Duello" is my favourite although each track is a highlight for me. I really like how dark the intro is here as it builds. It gets even darker after 3 1/2 minutes. Amazing sound ! Guitar and bass take over before 6 minutes. Nice. Drums and sax end it.

Another gem for my treasure box (collection).