CELESTION

A very succesful guitarist from Forli,Emilia-Romagna,RICCARDO ZAPPA was born in 1951 and his first touch with professional music was as a composer for the album ''Le ciliegie'' of Fiorella Mannoia back in 1969.His first album was a collaboration with Klaus Aulehla on ''Aulehla & Zappa'' in 1974,featuring acoustic ballads.In 1977 Zappa begins his personal journey in music with Celstion,released on Divergo.The album succeeded a double re-issue both on Mellow Records and BTF and is really easy to find nowadays.

STYLE: The Italian MIKE OLDFIELD?Propably yes,at least for this release.''Celestion'' is dominated by the magical acoustic chords of Zappa over a slight new-age atmosphere, created by the background atmospheric keys of Vince Tempera (ex-Il Volo).Lots of classical leanings,nice use of mandolin,but a pretty low mix for the rhythm section.Often the album is characterized by a melow meditterenean feeling in its smoother moments,offering dreamy soundscapes for the listener.A good amount of waving electronics makes the listening even more atmospheric.

INFLUENCES/SOUNDS LIKE: MIKE OLDFIELD all the way.

PLUS: Awesome performance by Zappa on acoustic chords,a real seminar for fans of classic/acoustic guitar.Dreamy and ethereal soundscapes,which make the listener travel in another world.Classical and mediterrenean influences blend in a nice way.

MINUS: Not that personal sounding,MIKE OLDFIELD made this introduction to art rock five years back.The mass of acoustic guitars and resemblance of the tracks aren't among the album's high points.

WILL APPEAL TO:...Fans of MIKE OLDFIELD,new-agey art rock and students of guitars.

CONCLUSION/RATING: Despite the straight musicianship and the lack of diversity, ''Celestion'' can be a pure magic if listened under the appropriate circumstances....a nice view,some great wine and a relaxed mood.A nice purchase for fans of acoustic prog....3.5 stars.