STORYBOOK

Remarkable live album that starts out slightly muddy, but as the concert progresses the music becomes tighter, more organic with tons of refrences to past classics, ("Fifth of Firth", "Court of the Crimson King", and others). The fact that they do a wonderful rendition of PFM's "Altaloma" shows how masterful these guys can play. If you're not familiar with 'Finisterre', they play in the classic style of Italian symphonic masters like PFM, Banco and Celeste. Superb keyboards, fantastic guitar and bass, nimble drumming and that remarkable flute make these guys for me the #1 Italian band in the business right now. Just check out how incredible they jam during the track "Phaedra" mixing in the songs I mention in the beginning of this review, it's done as smooth as silk. Yet, it's not all thunder. They do have a soft side that shows well live also. They can be so hypnotic! I envy the crowd that got to hear them play and they show their appreciation with great applause. This is one of the best live albums from the past 10 years and if you're any kind of fan of symphonic prog and can get past the singing in Italian, you must get this disc. You won't be disappointed. 4.5 stars!