ROCK PROGRESSIVO ITALIANO

In fact this is a book with an additional CD compilation but in order to give this wonderful box set more attention I took the 'artistic freedom' to name it a CD compilation with an additional book so it appears on the homepage, now, now, now!

The CD compilation contains 15 tracks by 15 different bands from the legendary, almost magical Seventies Italian prog. You can enjoy the huge variety that marks the Italian prog from that era: a raw sound by Osanna (fiery electric guitar and Jethro Tull inspired flutework), swinging with a piano solo and nice vocal harmonies by Delirium, alternating with warm vocals and a varied instrumentation (acoustic - and electric guitar, violins and powerful flute) by New Trolls, propulsive rock with wah-wah guitar by Osage Tribe and psychedelic with choir- Mellotron, organ and fat synthesizers by Libra. My highlights are the compositions by Raccommandata Ricevuta Ritorno (very dynamic with great breaks and exciting shifting moods), Quella Vecchi Locanda (wonderful build-up with a strong 'grand finale' featuring lush keyboards and beautiful flute play), Metamorfosi (dramatic vocals, fat Moogs runs and swirling piano, very compelling) and Cherry Five, my personal favorite: 24- carat symphonic prog delivering splendid Mellotron waves, fiery guitar, a Squire sounding bass and a fluent organ solo, excellent!

The book (according to the Italian label Btf.) "includes complete discographies for all artists and groups, updating the previous Paolo Barotto book. Many new entries and weird, obscure italian prog bands' rare discographies are mentioned in this new book, packaged in an oversized cardboard outer cover. The book also features reproductions in full color of hundreds of original LP and singles covers, plus rarity ratings (from 'common' and 'difficult to find' to 'very rare' and 'impossible to find'), plus rare magazine covers of Ciao 2001 from the Seventies, in a deluxe hardcover volume without any comments or text descriptions." The seize is similar to an 'ancient vinyl single', very easy to handle.

Both the book and the CD are great entries to the captivating and varied world of the Italian prog, highly recommended!