ESPLORARE

Procession were one of those 2nd tier bands from the classic RPI period, not as well known these days as the PFMs and Ballettos, but who managed to release two well liked albums from 1972 and 1974. Their first was a blistering album of hard and heavy rock with dual guitars while the second was a bit more diverse and mature, together they make a nice pair. The band broke up in 1975 and emerged again three decades later with guitarist Roby Munciguerra from the old days and new mates Samuele Alletto, Stefano Carrara, Enzo Martin, Herman, and Danilo Pala. The new line-up entered Overtone Studio in Torino in the late summer of 2006 and delivered this gem.

"Esplorare" is a most unusual comeback album in that it is not new material. Instead, the band chose to re-record both of their 1970s albums pretty much in their entirety, juggle the order, and make something new of them. They also include one previously unreleased track written back then but recorded now, plus one newly written track. An unusual approach to say the least! Does it work? Yep. The material on those old Procession albums was pretty good stuff, and here with the new band it comes alive in a new way. It is harder edged with some young guys joining the fold and it features a flawless new production that allows you to hear everything and blow the roof off your house if you choose. This album is loud! The new arrangements as mentioned seem heavier and clearer as they were based on the reunited band's 2006 live performance versions. The new musicians are superb players as is the vocalist. (Original vocalist Gianfranco Gaza died in the 1980s). The material itself ranges from hard rock to jazzy prog with a guitar/bass dominated sound (as opposed to keyboards). Flute and saxophone parts come and go throughout and acoustic guitar gives many sections extra flavor. What one takes away from this disc is the love they have for the old material, mixed with a dynamic new energy and forcefulness that updates this material successfully. It must be very challenging to attempt to re-do your classic material decades later and bring something new to it without messing with the original magic. Procession have succeeded as well as I could imagine. This is an album that will blow away the fans of both of their original albums. If you like either of them, get this, it's a sure thing for you!

The booklet is brief, but contains some liner notes, photos, and lyrics for the title track (all in Italian.) Oh, and SinkaJohn, you'll want this, trust me. 3 1/2 affectionate stars.

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