CONCERTO GROSSO PER I NEW TROLLS

Among the most succesful bands of Italian rock in general,NEW TROLLS were formed in mid-60's in Genova,fronted by the figure of guitarist Vittorio DeScalzi.They even supported ''The Rolling Stones'' in some gigs,before releasing their first single ''Sensazioni'' in 1967,followed by the debut ''Senza orario,senza bandiera'' in 1968,a mostly beat/pop album with a lot of good singles.A collection of their early material was their sophomore effort simply named ''New Trolls'' in 1970.It was about the same time when original keyboardist Mauro Chiarugi left to be replaced by Maurizio Salvi.1971 sees the band completing their ambitious classical-inspired work ''Concerto grosso per i New Trolls'',one of the finest and earliest paradigms of Italian prog rock,featuring compositions of Argentinian composer Luis Bacalov.

Side A of the album contains four tracks of absolutely fascinating,depressing and melancholic classical music blended with rock instrumentation.There are various stunning strings around coming from cellos or violins with a delicate sound surrounded by excellent harpsichord and JETHRO TULL-like flute attacks.Of course Scalzi is often present delivering HENDRIX-inspired guitar hooks,while the vocal work seems like coming more out of a 60's band than a prog rock one.Side B contains only one song of 20-min. length,from which I expected much more thinking of side A.Actually it sounds like an inspired jamming between the members of NEW TROLLS and until the 15th minute the band offers again some heavy flute parts mixed with the screaming organ of Salvi and the fuzzy guitars of Scalzi.There is unfortunately a long drum solo by Gianni Belleno,which I find totally useless, and it closes the epic in a rather pointless way,but again this track has also its decent moments...Apart from the uneven epic of the album,it can't be denied that ''Concerto grosso per i New Trolls'' stands among the most important albums of the Italian rock scene and thus,it must be heard by a lot more music fans than it has ever reached.Strongly recommended,especially to fans of E.L.P.,JETHRO TULL,THE NICE,THE MOODY BLUES or BEGGAR'S OPERA.

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