DIARIO DI VIAGGIO DELLA FESTA MOBILE

One shot Italian group from Monopoli, led by brothers keyboardist Francesco Boccuzzi and guitarist Giovanni Boccuzzi.Both played together in a band called Della Venis (only a single out), before relocating in Rome in early-70's in search for new music paths.Along with guitarist Alessio Alba, singer Renato Baldassarri and drummer Maurizio Cobianchi they formed Festa Mobile, whose sole release ''Diario di viaggio della Festa mobile'' came out in 1973 on RCA Records.

This is a good yet quite short (just 31 minutes) Symphonic Rock effort with plenty of jazzy moves here and there and the leading force is undoubtfully Francesco Boccuzzi fast classical and electric piano paces, which dominate the album, not unlike what FLAVIO PREMOLI of P.F.M. was doing around the time.The musuc in general it is very PFM-alike, recalling the heavier moments of the later.Filled of piano interludes and harpsichord passages along with some guitar beauty both in a ROBERT FRIPP and STEVE HACKETT style, the tracks follow mainly an up tempo with nice richness , strong Classical-influences on keyboards and a good balance between dissonance and pure Italian melodies, though some jazzy weirdness is around in the majority of them.Interplays are another strong point of the band.Numerous and inspired, they offer some moments of beauty throughout.Vocals are of the good Italian school, though a bit pale at moments.Additionally the album lacks the unmet majesty of the P.F.M. early releases, despite being the closest comparison.

The story of Festa Mobile stopped to this point, but the Boccuzzi brothers kept playing some very intricate prog music, as they formed Il Baricentro a few years later.Festa Mobile's guitarist Alessio Alba specialized himself on Indian music and ethnic instruments over the years.

If you are really into 70's Classic Italian Prog, this album is must have,no question about it.For the rest, prepare for some pretty fine Symphonic/Classic Progressive Rock with a bit of Jazz- Rock thrown in for good measure if you ever come across this release.The original LP is among the rare ones, but the album has seen numerous reissues over the years...3.5 stars.