FIABA

Two years after ''Frontiera'' Procession returned with a refined line-up and a new contract with Fonit.Gone are Marcello Capra (who released an interesting solo Folk Rock album in 1978), Angelo Girardi and Giancarlo Capello, replaced by Maurizio Gianotti on sax/flutes and Paolo D'Angelo on bass.For the recordings of their sophomore ''Fiaba'' album they were helped by Francesco Froggio Francica on drums (from Raccomandata con Ricevuta di Ritorno), Delirium's keyboardist Ettore Vigo and Silvana Aliotta from Circus 2000 on vocals.

A refined line-up brought a refined sound for Procession and musically ''Fiaba'' is a lot smoother and lighter release than ''Frontiera'', albeit in the same good level, if not better.Their sound was now a mix of soft Italian Prog with plenty of Folk and Jazz elements, based on the excellent vocals of Gianfranco Gaza and the elaborate arrangements.This belongs among the most romantic releases of the Italian school of Progressive Rock, featuring beautiful vocal lines, mellow jazzy electric guitars and careful synth explorations, maybe comparable at moments with IL VOLO's works.Procession focused this time on creating more atmospheric compositions with lyrical depth than offering multiple Hard Prog attacks and their sound is often colored with elegant acoustic passages and swirling flutes.Additionally some tracks contain some well-crafted sax parts akin to VAN DER GRAAF GENERATOR's album but with a more melodic content.

The next year Procession disbanded despite their decent live activity with Gaza participating in Arti E Mestieri's second album ''Giro di valzer per domani'' and Gianotti playing with the Jazz-Rock group Combo Jazz.More recently the band surfaced again under the leadership of guitarist Roby Munciguerra and released the 2006 album ''Esplorare'', consisting mostly of reworked old songs.

Another winner from the 70's Italian Prog scene.''Fiaba'' is a very nice album full of flexible material and comes strongly recommended for all fans of high quality artistic rock music...3.5 stars.