UOMO DI PEZZA

Third album by the legendary Italian prog trio of Toni Pagliuca,Aldo Tagliapietra and Michi Dei Rossi.With ''Collage'' the band showed more than great promises for the near future,with ''Uomo di pezza'' (btw excellent cover) LE ORME were here to stay.The album had a very succesful single ( ''Gioco di bimba''), topped the Italian charts and the trio even toured with Peter Hammill in Italy in December 72'.For the history,''Uomo di pezza'' is a semi-conceptual release,refering to an unknown feminie universe,where the masculine attitude has no luck.

STYLE: Excellent keyboard-driven soft symphonic rock with emphasis on romantic atmospheres,sophisticated breaks and sensitive vocal lines.Not much virtuosity is contained in here,actually LE ORME were one of the bands of progressive rock to give big priority to the structure of their arrangements blended nicely with the lyrical content than to virtuosity.The tracks contain a variety of alternating keys,making them transform from light classical-based rock to majestic melodic prog.Few parts of the album have a spacey feeling later met in their upcoming ''Felona e sorona''.

SOUNDS LIKE/INFLUENCES: While LE ORME are actually a unique band with an easily recognizable sound,ELP with a touch of early KING CRIMSON are a good comparison.

PLUS: What to say about the keyboar work of Toni Pagliuca.... Demanding,melodic,sensitive... and dramatic,just give a listen to the remarkable keyboard parts of "La porta chiusa"...and what to say about the beatiful romantic and ethereal vocals of Aldo Tagliapietra.Definitely a classic of the Italian scene.

MINUS: My only negative point is the lack of intensity and dynamics of the album,it would really sound better with a bit more energy throughout...but again this is only my point of view.

WILL APPEAL TO: ...symphonic- or keyboard- prog freaks and anyone who wants to begin his trip into 70's classic Italian prog in a more than succesful way.

CONCLUSION: ''Uomo di pezza'' continues the sound of the band started by LE ORME with ''Collage''.One of the best albums to come out of Italy with a unique emphasis on deep atmospheres and a delicate sensitivity.4.5 stars and extremely highly recommended!