SIEGFRIED, IL DRAGO E ALTRE STORIE

Here we have one of the rarest and most relaxing albums to come out of the 1970s Italian prog scene. Conceptualized and rehearsed as early as 1973 but not realized until 1976, Siegried, il Drago E Altre Storie is a pastoral wonder; evocative of the best work by early Genesis (pre- Trespass even) and Pierrot Lunaire's debut. Errata Corrige consist of the typical guitar, bass and drums format augmented with flute, keyboard and unusually enough...cello. This combination works surprisingly well, not unlike Nirvana's Unplugged in NY. Electric guitar is used sparingly and tastefully, and although it is clear these musicians were not classically trained there is a sense of innocence and charm because of it. Like Il Paese di Balocchi, this will always be one of the first albums I reach for when I need to forget the cares of the world and just unwind.

"Viaggio Di Saggezza" features acoustic guitar and flute at the outset, soon joined by a very controlled drum technique and galloping bass. Some jazz influences creep in toward the end, but the main melody never strays too far. "Del Cavalieve Citadel E del Drago Della Foresta Di Lucanor" sees the group more as rock band, with all the classic influences present but never becomes derivative. This long song is really two in one - the second half of which is simply beautiful. The "Siegfried" suite then begins with "Leggenda," as acoustic guitar and cello produce a buoyant melody; a funky drum and bass vamp transitions into another pastoral section, which fades out to "Siegfried (Mito)." This track adds some tastefully distorted guitar and more chorused cello. After the somewhat forgettable "Dal Libro Di Bordo Dell'Adventure," we are treated to the finale "Saturday il Cavaliere." Somewhat cheesy being sung in awkward English, "Saturday" sounds quite unlike anything else on the album and injects a breath of fresh air.

Four stars may be a little overrated, but Errata Corrige so enamored me early on to the Italian Prog movement that I can't help but give it a pass. Delightful composition and instrumentation, pleasant vocals and restrained playing - these elements add up to an excellent album in my book. Maybe not essential, but certainly good and probably even great.