DIAPASON

An Italian songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Cagliari,Pierpaolo Bibbò was born in 1954 and started his career along with Giampiero Melosu on the Country/Rock duo Distilleria M.B.,which released only two singles,''Spettatore di un'idea/Camilla'' in 1976 and ''Il ricordo dei tuoi si/Dolce Silvana'' the next year,both on La Strega label,specialized on artsits from Sardegna.After this Bibbo worked on his first solo work at his own Diapason studio.The album,which carries the name of the studio as a title,was recorded in 1979 and released the next year on La Strega.

Along with Hopo's ''Senti'',''Diapason'' is one of the most well-arranged and respected works of Classic Italian Prog appeared in early 80's.The album flows into a melodic Symphonic Rock style with heavy vocal content but also plenty of intricate harmonies and dreamy soundscapes with only a couple of tracks being more into a melodic ballad-pop style.Bibbo handles all guitars,bass,synths ans sings on the album along with Adriano De Murtas on piano and organ and Franco Medas on drums.Most of the arrangements are in a high compositional level,dominated by the keyboards of Bibbo and De Murtas' piano in a light and ethereal symphonic style and Bibbo's vocals are quite expressive and balanced.Guitar work is also very melodic,though it only appears in moments.''Diapason'' could reach a higher level,if it wasnt for its mediocre mix,where keyboards sound too cheap with the other instruments being rather very low.

After ''Diapason'',Bibbo joined the rock band Segno,with whom he released the single ''Il Segno/Pianista'' in 1982,again on La Strega.In late 80's he worked at the ''Mixer'' studio of di Giancarlo D'Amico,participated in the group Colors since 1993 and constantly worked as an arranger and composer at his ''Diapason'' Studio until today.

''Diapason'' succeeded little fame back in the days of its release,but the album was fortunately re-issued on CD by Mellow Records.It remains a rare underground album of early 80's Italian Prog,but its content will please any fan into progressive rock with a highly melodic approach.Strongly recommended.