MUSICA E PAROLE

I was first introduced to the band Libra by finding a used copy of the English language version of their debut lp, simply titled "Libra", on the Motown label, and it is one of the rare occasions where i actually prefer this to the Italian version of the album.(But that is another story, really)

I would say Libra's leader was the late Federico D'Andrea, though the resultant music on this album sounds like a band that is truly a collaborative effort; no one instrument or musical influence outshines any other. Even saying that, D'Andrea's presence is like a guiding light throughout-this musician/singer/songwriter had a very unique and spirited way of expression that is both quirky in style, but philosophical in lyrical perspective.

There are a whole host of musical influences here on Musica e Parole presented in a kind of musical melting pot-rock, jazz, funk, folk, and psych, that hold your interest all the way through this album. Side one is deeply moving in it's lyrical style and musical execution-with the last track being sung in English even on the Italian language version here, called Beyond The Fence. D'Andrea portrays himself sitting on a fence, which could symbolise whatever you may consider, and taunts the listener with "Or maybe you don't want to know, what is there, beyond the fence".

Side two is the more progressive of the two, opening with the title track, which is the emotional peak of the album, especially when the keys kick in. Federico's vocals are especially moving. The last two songs, Pegno D'Amore and Iquinamento are the instrumental highlight of Musica e Parole, with some extended instumental interplay that gets quite progressive. Iquinamento is the longest song here, and one really travels through a lot of different stages without losing focus for a second.

Libra's Musica e Parole is a delightful mid seventies, Italian prog excursion that tends to be overlooked, i guess because the band's follow up album "Winter Day's Nightmare" bombed (unjustifiably) and the band folded not long after. This debut album, either the Italian or English language version, qualifies as Libra's best record, and evidence of the fact that interesting music was still being created in the Italian prog world by newer groups in the mid seventies period. Five stars.