4 DESTINIES

It appears that fate has had quite a part to play in Carpani's career, as being in the same class as Aaron Emerson, and having the opportunity to meet his father Keith at the tender age of 7 started his interest in progressive rock and keyboards from a young age. Later, when recovering from an accident he took the opportunity to compose and record what ended up being his debut album, 'Waterline', which was released in 2006. Since that time he has formed a full band and has toured much of the world (although not this area I note). The second album followed in 2010, and now he is back with the third. This album features all of the Alex Carpani Band with Alex providing all keyboards and lead vocals, Ettore Salati on guitars, GB Giorgi on bass, Alessandro Di Caprio on drums and Joe Sal on additional vocals. In addition, David Jackson (VDGG) adds various saxophones and flutes as special guest, while it has been produced by Cristiano Roversi (Moongarden, John Wetton Band, Submarine Silence, CCLR).

4 Destinies is a progressive rock concept based on four eventual destinies that a man can find on the path of his life. Alex states that there are four destinies that irradiate, moving from the same point, in four different directions of life... and needless to say this is depicted in four songs, all of which are thirteen minutes or more in length. If one was asked what country Alex hails from, I think that many progheads would fathom a guess at Italy as although his style may be more symphonic at times, then there is no doubt that the Italian scene has had a major impact on his music. The use of Jackson is really interesting, as although there are times when he is very much in step with the rest of the music there are also times, such as on "Sky and Sea", where there are passages where he is producing a melody that is almost as odds with the rest of the band. There is a fine line here between creating chaos and providing emphasis and he just stays on the right side of the line but it is a close call at times. From ballads to more powerful numbers, this is an album that is quite atmospheric, and while never getting to the same dizzy heights as Goblin also have nods in the same direction.

There are times when the contrast between the instruments, and the arrangements being deployed, makes on think that here is something that is going to veer off into avant-garde jazz territory, but it always comes back safely to the prog side. Overall this is an intriguing and interesting album, while never being truly essential, but worth hearing all the same. www.alexcarpani.com