RISCRIVERE IL PASSATO

Few albums have surprised me as deeply as "Riscivere il Passato", this 2002 offering from Notturno Concertante, a gifted two man partnership between guitarist/keyboardist Lucio Lazzaruolo and guitarist Raffaele Villanova. I own another one of their albums, really never was bowled over but I never give up on any band or CD and remain constantly in search of a good turn. I was really not expecting to get involved with this duo again. To my astonishment, I was fueled by the comments as well as the spirited opening track "Giga" which I picked off the PA audio play-list (whose great idea was that? Born Brilliant I say!). This is certainly not your sweeping symphonic 22 minute statement with whooping 'trons and synths, all stitched up tightly in a lushly orchestrated package but rather a collection of short generally crisp and upbeat musical etudes mostly featuring keys and guitars that seek to evoke various avenues of inspiration. "Giga" is undoubtedly a fine opening, giving a plaintive violin the opportunity to introduce a playful flute adventure that veers, winds and dances in all directions in a fast-paced folk direction with a slight Oldfield touch and totally enjoyable. "Io Ti Amo" is a vocal masterpiece with a massive melody adorned with thick orchestrations that seeks to highlight the passion of the "I love you" message, complete with a surprising but slick "vafanculo" at the end. I guess that was a somewhat bitter affair! "Six of the Best" is a haunting homage to Genesis that copies or borrows nothing from the famed group, choosing a more contemporary delivery, complete with great drumming, swirling keys, chugging guitars and loads of dramatic vocal effects. "Electric Rain" is another stellar instrumental endeavor with cello, violins and acoustic guitars combining to create a deep melancholia with ingenious splashing percussive effects, the mood brief and concise, deeply evocative. "So Many Things" is another sparkling jewel, ornate piano entwined with lush pastoral acoustic guitar picking, brooding cellos in the backyard and a shimmering melody that aches for your attention, not too far from a more polished Anthony Phillips. Another highlight is "Flood of Tears" providing another window of musical wonder and amazement with solid drums ushering in walls of shattering electric rhythm guitar, choir voices in the distance, epic and grandiose as if for some cinematographic venture. While certainly not even remotely in the classical ISP mould or even the more recent wave of delirious prog from "the Boot", this pleasant disc deserves being in any collection because of its unpretentious beauty, the pristine sound and the layers of creative intensity that can only befuddle and seduce the unsuspecting fan. Befuddle and seduce, hmmm that sounds pretty much like the definition of Italian to me! 4.5 berlinettas