MAXOPHONE

Every so often someone is blown away by Locanda Delle Fate, and asks what else they can get like Locanda. Well Maxophone (from Milano Italy) doesn't sound exactly like Locanda but they are a good choice for people who want safe, pleasant Italian prog that isn't *too* Italian, meaning sans the more gregarious side that some of us hard-core Italian hounds look for. It's pretty hard not to like Maxophone as they do everything well, good playing, nice songs, smooth vocals. But they don't take the risks that some of their peers do. It's hard for me to explain but while this album is most certainly good it just somehow lacks the distinct flavor and character I look for in my Italian albums. I think maybe they have more outside influences than some of the more regional Italian bands. For many this probably makes them better but for me not. In researching the band I found three sentences from another reviewer that perfectly summarizes my view of Maxophone:

"While Maxophone have constructed a very well balanced album, one thing they fail to do is absolutely dazzle me in the way that the best Italian bands can. There are no flat spots but the best moments are interesting as opposed to astounding. Maxophone never quite soar as high as they promise to at times." [those last 3 sentences credited to Conrad Leviston and thanks for saying it better than I.]

You will find everything you seek from the classic period here: piano, flute, sax, organ, vibe, clarinet, acoustic and electric guitar, bass, and good vocals. You will also find a wide range of styles and a band capable of turning from rock to jazzy to classical segments quickly and effortlessly. I think this band was likely influenced from Yes, Genesis, and PFM primarily. This was their one and only album and it is considered by many to be one of the greatest Italian prog albums. I'm at about 3.25 stars for Maxophone. The mini-lp sleeve reissue is nice because of the great cover art.

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