ELEMENTI

"Elementi" is an excellent release by Le Orme from 2001 which I have only recently acquired. It is the second release in a trilogy that started with "Il Fiume" and marks a triumphant return to form after some poor albums in the 1980's and early 1990's.

There has been changes to the line-up and only Aldo Tagliapietra and drummer Michi Dei Rossi remain from the 1970's. Michele Bon who first appeared on their previous album is back on keyboards and is joined by newcomer Andrea Bassato also on keyboards and violin. The new guys have injected a freshness to the music, given it more vitality. In places there is almost a hint of neo prog in the keyboard and guitar playing. I don't mean that in any derogatory way, it just gives the music a more contemporary feel, so rather than rehash the Le Orme sound of the 1970's they have evolved, progressed even.

Aldo Tagliapietra's voice is in fine form. As I don't speak Italian that vocals just become part of the music for me. The musicanship is first class, outstanding keyboard work, superb drumming, and great sitar playing on track 9 "Dove Tutto E'!" gives an eastern flavour to that track. This is followed by a majestic keyboard sound on next track.

The individual tracks on the album (all 14 of them) are short but the music seems to flow along almost seamlessly across many of the tracks so it doesn't sound like a collection of short pieces at all.

Overall the album has a joyous uplifting mood. It is one of the best releases by Le Orme in a long time. Maybe not quite a masterpiece but nevertheless it is a superb piece of music.