ROLLER

Without any doubt, "Roller" remains an Italian Progressive classic, a short yet lively album allegedly disliked by the participating musicians but a sheer jewel even after multiple decades of my preciously rubbing this lamp and letting the genie out! The 11 minute track "Goblin" has been a podium reservation since the very first day I heard it, back in 1976. Also of note are the opening title cut, the very liquidly propulsive "Aquaman" , the amusing italo-funk of "Snip-Snap", the slithery "The Snake Awakens" and the moody and somber "Dr Frankenstein" I am particularly still mesmerized by the deep, resonating at times fretless bass of the brilliant Fabio Pignatelli, who sounds like a funkier Chris Squire and the masterful hard- jazz drumming of Agostino Marangolo. The dual keyboard attack (similar to Banco's Nocenzi brothers or even Greenslade) develops a vast array of sensational textures, loads of clavinet, electric piano, Eminent (the Italian version of the mellotron) and various Moog tones that will leave the listener speechless. The diversity and the creativity on display are staggering. Guitarist Massimo Morante adds some opportune colorings in a very personal style that strives for originality above anything else. I could go on and on but there is really no point, as no Italian Prog collection can survive without this singular recording. This is an all instrumental 37 minute progfest of the highest caliber up, there with PFM, Il Volo, Banco, Nova and Arti+Mestieri's finest achievements. An unavoidable "monster", a perennial top 20 all-time classic. 5 little red devils