PERFORMANCE

Quite disappointing. I heard about this album still in the 80´s but only recently I had the opportunity to listen to it as a single CD (instead of the original double LP set). It was 1982 and I was not really expecting a PFM Cook part !!, but at least some serious performances (excuse the pun). In the end you get the feeling that it might have been a good show to be at, with drummer Di Cioccio acting as the master of cerimonies. The man does a decent job as vocalist (in fact, better than their former singer Bernardo Lanzetti) but he also give too much focus on a showmanship and lots fo talking to the public. It may be ok when you´re there watching it, but on record not so much (specially if you don´t talk italian well). For live shows they added drummer Walter Calloni to the line up.

When the band is actually playing things improve a bit. Those guys lost none of their usual musical prowness, although I do miss Flavio Premoli and his symphonic keyboards (here replaced by Lucio Fabbri, who also doubles on the violin). The tracklist is based mostly on their previous two more pop oriented albums, and some stuff is actually better than their studio counterparts, but that´s not enough when one knows their glorious prog of just few years past. There is simply too much noodling, too many solos, too much talking. few full songs and only two classic tracks: a just good version of Il Banchetto and a bad version of Celebration.

Actually I think I should have listened to this album more times before I write a review, but I really didn´t fell like doing it. It´s not worth the trouble and I don´t usually like albums like this one. A real let down. Are these the same guys who gave us masterpieces like The World Became The World, Photos Of Ghosts and PFM Cook? (Not really) They should have more care and respect for their audience. Performance is juts too littlle for such talented guys. If you want to hear them live try to get PFM Cook first. And only buy this one after hearing it beforehand.

Rating: two stars.