RUMORE ROSSO

A project started in 1977 in Turin by Arti E Mestieri guitarist Luigi Venegoni.As stated from the name, this was more of a collaboration between Venegoni and several guest members than a regular band.The first album came out in 1977 under the title ''Rumore Rosso'' on Cramps label.It features no less than 12 guest appearances, among them saxes are handled by ex-Procession Maurizio Gianotti and ex-Pangea Claudio Pascoli.

''Rumore rosso'' moves a bit away from the fiery Prog/Fusion of Arti E Mestieri to be grounded in more Ethnic/Jazz-Rock fields, always with Venegoni's guitar performance in evidence.There is a handful of interplays to be discovered in here, the electric piano and clavinet play a dominant role, the jazzy rhythm section is of first class and the arrangements are free to move from structured themes to more loose solos with some interesting sax parts.While most of the length is dedicated to a style close to Jazz/Fusion with a rockin' attitude, there are also a few pieces with an evident folky vibe.Venegoni leaves his electric guitar to dominate the scene with his acoustic offerings and he is supported by a section with strong work on percussion, sitar, flutes and vibraphones in cuts with a heavy ethnic feeling and obvious Middle-Eastern tendencies.The album is largely instrumental but at moments there are vocal appearances in a wordless, almost Zeuhlish motive, making the sound even more personal and obscure.

Fans of the jazzy side of Progressive Rock and of course all Jazz/Fusion buffs are sure to love this album, which has been already reissued in CD by Electromantic Music.Warmly recommended.