COOK [AKA: LIVE IN THE USA]

PFM was my first musical encounter with Italian progrock, when I stumbled upon the LP The World Became The World in the late Seventies. It was the start of a long and captivating journey through the prolific world of the Italian progressive rock, from Formula Tre, The Trip and New Trolls to Nuova Era, La Maschera Di Cera and Pandora, etc. etc. an endless source! A few years ago a dream came true when PFM visited The Netherlands for a gig. I was blown away by their skills, variety, inspiration and live sound (more powerful and adventurous than the studio versions). And the fact that PFM played all their 'classic' compositions, including most of the Live In USA tracks, one of my favourite Classic Italian Prog albums. Full circle!

Four Holes In The Ground (7.22) : This Pete Sinfield song starts with swinging progressive rock featuring a lush instrumentation with fat Minimoog synthesizer flights, biting wah-wah guitar and folky flute. The interplay and the rhythm-section are awesome, these are very skillful and creative musicians. Then the music slows down to a dreamy atmosphere with majestic Mellotron violins, tender vocals and delicate work on the flute. Finally again that swinging rhythm and great interplay, the Minimoog shines!

Dove ... Quando (4.30) : This short but wonderful composition delivers a dreamy climate with the distinctive electric piano, blended with romantic Italian vocals and beautiful flute.

Just Look Away (8.05) : The long intro features acoustic guitar, ranging from dreamy with twanging and tremolo to propulsive rhythm guitar. Then a mellow Hammond organ joins, followe by the sound of the Minimoog and flute. The music turns into a beautiful ballad, with twanging acoustic guitar and flute, in the end a bombastic eruption in which the flute dominates.

Celebration (8.55) : This is PFM their 'stage favourite', even the most shy proghead start dancing, what a cheerfull and catch atmosphere. There is huge crowd participation, accompanied by drum beats and then the legendary fat Minimoog synthesizer runs, along vocal harmonies in English. Halfway a mellow part with wonderful Mellotron violins and then a dynamic rhythm-section and flashy Minimoog flights, culminating in the sumptuous eruption of the The World Became The World, I am carried away by the fat Moog and glorious Mellotron, this is Prog Heaven.

Mr. Nine Till Five (4.25) : This is a very varied track (with jazzrock overtones), delivering swirling electric piano, biting wah-wah guitar and powerful vocals, blending rock, jazz and classical. The interplay is awesome and we can enjoy lots of shifting moods and exciting soli.

Alta Loma Five Till Nine (15.20) : This extended version features a long and moving guitar solo that starts bluesy but gradually turns into an eclectic sound with howling runs, reminding me of Steve Howe his varied style. The guitar is accompanied by Mellotron violins, a compelling combination, emphasizing PFM their variety. Halfway Pagani his violin joins, then great interplay between the guitar, violin and Minimoog. This culminates into a bombastic grand finale with the catchy William Tell Overture, the swirling violin and Minimoog dominate, goose bumps!

Huge variety (from rock and blues to jazz and symphonic), outstanding musicians, awesome soli on a wide range of instruments, exciting breaks and shifting moods, this is top notch Classic Italian Prog!

More interesting Italian Prog bands to discover: Museo Rosenbach, Corte Dei Miracoli, Rustichelli & Bordini, Sensitiva Immagine, Germinale, The RedZen, Ubi Maior, Obscura, Hostsonaten, Aries, VIII Strada and Notabene, to name a few.

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