STATI DI IMMAGINAZIONE

Oh, what a beautiful record! I had given up any hopes of PFM doing something remarkable a long time ago. Their brilliant past seemed to be buried in the early 70´s and that was it. But I was amazed to see so many glowing reviews about Stati Di Immaginazione that I decided to give them one last shot. And it was very worthwhile! While the music here is not exactly a return to roots (there are no voals this time, for exemple), it is nevertheless incredibly strong, moving and very well done.

By the time this CD was released only two founder members were still in the band: guitarrist Franco Mussida and drummer Fraz DiCioccio (plus lont time member bassist Patrick Dijvas). With the precious aid of another former member, Lucio Fabbri (keyboards and violin) and Gianluca Tagliavini (also on Keys) they released one of the most important CDs of their discography, believe it or not.

Ok, it is not exactly the same as it was. But the essence is pretty much the same: terrific symphonic prog with lots of italian, baroque and classical music influences. This time there is some jazz rock/fusion elements too in some parts. The results is a marvelous intrumental record that has a few of the finest songs I´ve heard recently. Mussida is one of the most underrated guitarrists in rock music. A very skillful and creative musician who knows how to deliver pure emotion through both electric and acoustic guitar. This record is an excellent showcase of his unique style and technique: emotional solos, fantastic acoustic parts and tasteful rhythms and licks.

But this is no solo project and as much as Mussida does a great job here, the others are not far behind. There are lots of great keyboards runs, violin lines, plus Djivas pulsating bass (sometimes even soling too) and DiCioccio versatile drumming. And the songwriting, my god! Not a single bad track in the whole album! You can hear them all without skipping a single track. Some tunes are simply magnificent like Nederland 1903, Il sogno di Leonardo and La conquista, but the CD as a whole is impeccable.

Conclusion: one of the nicest surprises recently. A truly magnifinet work by one of Italy´s most important bands. Great instrumental CD that will plese anyone who likes good music. Rating: somewhere 4.5 and 5 stars. Highly recommended!