1998 - LA STORIA DI SABAZIO

An unjustly obscure Italian progressive, keyboard-based trio in the vein of Le Orme or Triumvirat, with a unique inclusion of electric cello in the instrumentation. Definitely not a weak sister or poor man's version of those more popular bands. The music is cerebral and intelligent, and full of feeling-not all that much vocals, but vocals done very well when called for-with incredible feeling and emotion. This album is a masterpiece-listening to it, you will be startled that this music could go so unnoticed, but I guess in the seventies in Italy, Triade would have had a lot of competition. It also did not help that there was very little information given on the musicians who played on this album.

Like early Triumvirat, all aspects of their music are really endearing and special to me, and fit together really well- just as good as Le Orme, and that is saying something! The keyboard work is especially well done, and the keys player must be a seasoned veteran-believe me, it shows in his professional delivery. The drummer and guitarist are no slouches, either; with their technique, they hold their own, and then some!

Quite a few of the tracks have no vocals at all, but that does not detract from things, Triade can hold your interest, instrumentally-such a beautiful and fulsome sound they create.

Side one of the lp is instrumental, only, and as a band, the musicians play tight, creating quite an impressive, exciting sound. There is some music for solo piano, as well, which is quite beautiful and emotive. It is on side two of the lp that vocals are included. Though i don't know Italian, i can appreciate it being sung like in Triade , in such a lyrical way.

I am so glad that i stumbled across this gem, as it is hard to come by. One of the finest of the seventies Italian progressive groups-obscure,or otherwise. If you like seventies, keyboard based prog trios, check this album out-you will not regret it. I give it five stars, unhesitatingly.