JL

What a remarkable return: in 1994 Italian band Algebra released their debut album entitled Storia Di Un Iceberg, then they disbanded but in 2009 Algebra produced this successor with the very short title JL. It's a concept story based upon Richard Bach his work Jonathan Livingston Seagull.

The first, pretty atmospheric track Il Molo Deserto contains wonderful flute and harder-edged guitar runs, it turns out that is performed by ' Steve Hackett, what a surprise to discover this symphonic rock guitar legend on a relatively unknown Italian progrock album!

But more surprises are underway, in the next, dreamy song Jonathan (fragile classical guitar, compelling work on the harmonica and in the end sensitive solos on electric guitar and violin) I got the idea that I hear Le Orme's singer/bass player Aldo Tagliapietra ' and indeed, to my delight he IS the singer. And what a great and very distinctive voice this man legend has, I am on the albums Felona E Sorona and Uomo Di Pezza!

Also the song Il Volo Perfetto has a surprise, now it's other Classic Italian Prog legend Osanna their singer Lino Vairetti who delivers a strong contribution to Il Volo Perfetto, wonderfully blended with pleasant organ and a strongly build-up saxophone solo.

The final surprise is the collaboration of Steve Hackett's brother John on flute in the compositions La Gogna (compelling with passionate vocals), Ritorno Allo Stormo (beautiful classical orchestrations, a swirling flute solo and fiery guitar leads) and Nel Vento Della Grande Montagna (catchy beat with delicate synthesizer sounds).

Remarkable on this CD is the huge variety: a modern sound collage in the instrumental Aria Nuova ' ... male opera vocals in Al Naufragio Del Mio Sogno ' ... percussion and xylophone in Un Battito D'Ali ' ... fretless bass and sultry saxophone in the jazzy Ciang ' ... tender piano with warm strings in the soaring Soffi Da Oriente ' ... rock guitar in the swinging Un'Infinita Idea Di Liberta ' ... and pure symphonic rock in Un'Altra Dimensione (wonderful keyboard sound and moving guitar work) and Atto Finale (compelling bombastic climate with splendid guitar).

What a wonderful album and what a contrast with their mediocre effort in 1994. Because this second effort sounds strong and varied, released almost 10 years ago. Perhaps in 2024 another surprising return .. ? My rating: 3,5 star.