CORTE DEI MIRACOLI

Italy wasn't lacking "one and done" classics in prog's 70s heyday, and Corte dei Miracoli is one of the most solid entries in a crowded field. The basis of the music is dual keyboards with almost no guitar. Vocals are also a standout, moreso than most Italian bands. The singer's vocal stylings are very melodic, with some quite soaring, symphonic phrases. The keyboards, however, add a jazzy tinge at times, although never clashing with an overall lush, symphonic feel. The individual tracks are written with confidence and energy and there is no filler. The bubbling keyboard intro followed by a propulsive rhythm and rare guitar break that marks album opener "....E Verra L'Uomo" is still one of my favorites within the whole genre, especially when the atmospheric keyboards and longing vocals kick in.