FEDE, SPERANZA, CARITÀ

J.E.T.'s greatest wish must have been to remain a well-kept secret, connoisseurs only, something they achieved with considerable success. With a band-name that's neither here nor there, releasing their only worthwhile offering at a time when great RPI records were 10 a dozen, and with a cover artwork that's decidedly cheapskate (that's a nice cup, by all means, but no matter how posh your granny is, a photo of her silverware isn't going to sell your record), the band seem to positively beg you to leave this record alone. The CD reissue (at least the one I have -- ther could be others) does nothing to change this, since all useful information is given in Japanese only.

By overlooking "Fede, Speranza, Carita", however you would be making a big mistake. This is right up there with the best RPI albums while standing out from the crowd in several mistakes. The music is a little heavier and more guitar driven than most of their Italian contemporaries, often with heavy hammonds and thunderous bass lines to create a powerful sound. Add the superb power and range of singer Aldo Stelita, another one of these Italian prog vocalists that leave you with your jaw in your lap wondering how one country could hold so many marvellous tenor voices. There are classical influences, especially in the quieter passages, but equally frequently heavy riffs a la Deep Purple give way to big horn sections. Melody plays an important role throughout, and dissonance is used sparingly, unlike such bands as Il Balletto di Bronzo, who otherwise have a similar sound.

No RPI collection is complete without this obscure gem of an album. Even if J.E.T. seem to want to be forgotten, we should not allow them.