THINGS TO LIVE!

Putting on a recital is what musical art is all about and keyboardist/composer Massimo Pieretti gathered together a stellar crew of Germana Noage on lead vocals, electric guitarists Roberto Falcinelli and Simone Cozzetto, adding the rhythm section of Michele Raspanti on electric bass and Andres Gualco on drums and percussion. They performed a live concert of his splendid 2022 "A New Beginning" debut album as well as a two-part series of Creatures of the Night singles released after the fact and that may ultimately find place on his next album. The primary set features 13 electric vignettes and the final 3 pieces offer an acoustic interpretation of "I Dream of Flying", "In November" and "Things to Live and To Die For".

Massimo emotes on the mike on the cinematic "Intro", shrouded in reverb, a forlorn piano and symphonic keys glowing in the backdrop, a bass caress and symbolic cymbals work up the front of the stage. A perfect setup for Germana's powerful vocal to shine on "Oh Father", an iconic tune that will initiate a trio of pieces that are Massimo's finest crowning achievements, adding echoing guitars that collide with rhythmic piano. The magnificent "In November" remains the centerpiece of this triumvirate with an urgent vocal that groans and moans with serenity, an ode to the imminent arrival of winter. The solemn "Growing Old" is the fitting climax, as these three should persist together, betrothed forever. Germana has a husky voice that exudes intensity and can travel up and down the scale with impunity.

Change of pace and mood on the haunting, echo laden "Is It That Girl Right?", a convincingly more accessible piece that provides the widest expanse for the gliding vocal performance. The symphonics come to the fore with the perfectly narrated "Out of This World", where shivering dual guitars rattle the cage, the female voice wailing majestically, soaring and elevating like a tornado heading to the stars. Definitely a highlight progressive display, with a message of international unity and resilience. The mini-interlude has Massimo on the piano, with scorching guitars painting the ears, a prefect initiator for the animated "Things to Live and To Die For", the piano front and center and the band adding a distant support, the lead vocal urgent and passionate. "Family and Business" is not the celebrated Fish classic but darker and brooding pace with the electric bass climbing ladders like an acrobat, the raunchy guitars in full tow, and resilient organ shadings that exude a sombre feel. The chorus' insistence veers on manic, just to drive home the point of what matters in life. Rock 'n Roll!

The 2 part "A New Beginning" is a personal insight into Massimo's life, which like most if not all lives, has its fair share of ups and downs, it's how you choose to adapt, fight on and survive. As long as there is a freedom of choice and opportunity, solutions are around the next corner, perhaps unseen but surely sensed. The vocals are appropriately pleading , the pace turbo-charged, and the symphonic canvas liberating the fretboards to ramble on. The segue to a charming ballad is always a great idea, and "I Hope You Will Always Be Here with Me" is a sweet moment that does not get saccharine , just heartfelt and true. Dream on! The two part "Creatures of the Night" suite was released after the album and has the unique attribute of a more complex arrangement that stretches way beyond short vignettes (the hallmark of A New Beginning) and offers the listener a wider and deeper canvas of emotional attraction. Germana Noage really lays into her proficiency with a devastating display of control and tone, asserting all the effusive elements required to be convincing. The creepier second part is a massive highlight, as the guitarists get to let their frets do the talking , a decidedly urban mood that is noticeable, when the sun goes down and the night crawlers emerge out of their lairs, there is going to be adventure of some kind.

"I Dreamed of Flying" initiates the three final acoustic pieces, suggesting a gentler approach to finishing off the night. This is a uniquely precious piece, initially a duet with piano and voice, augmented with some orchestrations. Germana just kills it here. The other two stripped down versions only serve to elevate her sublime voice even further , consolidating the impression fully. She 'really, really, really' can sing like the wind.

As is my usual norm, live albums are meant to be enjoyed as an entire event whether live or on DVD and are rated therefore in consequence. A great idea and hopefully, one fine day, Massimo will have the ability to provide a fully filmed event , so that everyone can enjoy the talent on display here. 4 Nocturnal Beasts