COLLAGE

The first ´real´Le Orme album. Well, at least the first with the classic line up and the musical direction that would change the course of their career forever. And this is no small feat, since the group went not only progressive, but also progressive with a personality. From the first notes of the song title you know you´re facing a great record done by a great band. And they already had their own sound! Some influences, such as early ELP are obvious. Yet, it is shown through their very classic italian roots, something still quite unique by the time Collage was released.

The music is beautiful, melodic, well crafted and done by skillful musicians. Sometimes is hard to believe there are only 3 guys palying all the time. Certainly the band also had a fantastic singer in the form of bassist Aldo Tagliapietra, while Toni Pagliuca was one of the best and most inventive keyboardist of the italian scene. Excellent drummer Mikki Dei Rossi completed this winning team. Although some arrangemetns and songwriting are typical of that era, the album aged well and still sound fresh and exciting today. Production could be better, but it is adequated. Highlights for me are the title track and Cemento Armato, but the remaining tracks are not too far behind.

Maybe not really a masterpiece, but very close to that in my humble opinion. A great record done by one fo Italy´s best bands in the 70´s. Highly recommended for any symphonic prog fan.r.