UNA VITA UNA BALENA BIANCA E ALTRE COSE

Finnforest (Jim Russell) should be proud for having a lot to do with bringing Stefano Testa back into the public eye. I'm certainly proud of him, especially after reading the excellent interview (a must read) on this site. Lots of great information in that interview which sheds some light on the man and this album.This record happens to be a concept album about this author who's about to commit suicide in this hotel room.The music looks at four moments in the writers life that he looks back upon before he dies.This is an all acoustic affair with the guitar being the most prominant instrument.The vocals are very good and in Italian.

"Una Vita" is the over 16 minute long opening track. Soft flute to begin and the mood brightens when the acoustic guitar joins in. Vocals a minute in. The sound gets fuller and the tempo picks up after 2 minutes. Some Anderson-like flute after 6 minutes and the vocals get more passionate. Female vocal melodies after 7 1/2 minutes then we get a calm. It turns pastoral after 10 minutes. Just a beautiful section. Another calm follows until the acoustic guitar and drums change that. Great section here with vocals. Some organ before 14 1./2 minutes before it ends as it began with solo flute.

"Risveglio" features piano and vocal melodies before flute takes over. Vocals and piano follow. Strings before 2 minutes and the vocals are great. "La Ballata Di Achab" is more uptempo with a good beat. Expressive vocals too. It settles with strings before 1 1/2 minutes (moving passage) then picks up again as contrasts continue. "Notturno" simply sounds gorgeous with the acoustic guitar, flute and vocals. An emotional track. "Difficile Chiamarti Amore" has some more backing female vocals, acoustic guitar, bass and vocals. Why is this so moving ? "Il Dio Sulla Ferrovia"is more of the same with vocals and acoustic guitar. Bass and drums join in.The tempo picks up 3 minutes in with flute. "Ninna Nanna" features acoustic guitar, soft vocals and other sounds. Cool track.

I may bump this rating up in time. This is a special album.