IL VOLO

"Il Volo" was one of the earliest commercial experiments in the realm of "superbands." The group was formed in 1974 by a producer named Mogol, who had previous ties to Premiata Forneria Marconi and was the technical and musical brain behind Formula Tre. Il Volo is considered an extension of Formula Tre, as when Tony Cicco left the group to pursue a solo career, Mogol brought together the remaining two members of Formula Tre with four other musicians from legendary groups to form Il Volo:

- Mauro Lavezzi (ex-Flora Fauna Cemento, on guitar) - Alberto Radius (Formula 3, guitar) - Vince Tempera (ex-I Giganti, keyboards) - Gabriele Lorenzi (Formula 3, keyboards) - Bob Callero (ex-Osage Tribe, bass) - Gianni Dall'Agio (ex-Ribelli, drums)

The group released only two albums, both of which were excellent. Mogol wrote all the lyrics, while the others composed the music separately. This resulted in excellent songs with a simple and direct style, deeply rooted in the Mediterranean style but with highly melodic passages connected to unexpected eruptions. The intelligent use of studio effects on guitars and vocals produced a unique sound that, while reminiscent of Formula Tre's music, leaned slightly more towards jazz-rock. Lavezzi's voice was a distinguishing element that set Il Volo apart from its predecessor.

"Come Una Zanzara" transitions from mesmerizing sounds to powerful demonstrations of the band's musical prowess. It features expressive melodies, tension-building bass and guitar interplay, and a sitar element that adds depth to the composition.

"La Mia Rivoluzione" - Starting with beautiful acoustic guitar melodies and soulful vocals, this song gradually builds momentum with a shuffle rhythm and shining keyboard arrangements. The interplay between the keyboard, sitar, and vocals adds richness to the emotional depth of the track.

"Il Calore Umano" - Bass and keyboard elements intertwine seamlessly with the guitar, creating a cohesive sound that drives the song forward. The consistent expression of emotions through the chorus and the energetic guitar riffs add layers to the overall energy of the track.

"Il Canto Della Preistoria" - Beginning with an intriguing narration, this track evolves into a gentle folk-inspired progression. The soft chord progressions and vocal harmonies contribute to its unique atmosphere, with well-crafted solos and synthesizer elements enhancing the song's quality.

"I Primi Respiri" - This song explores a waltz-like atmosphere with a three-beat rhythm, showcasing the band's versatility in musical expression. The melody and harmony processing highlight the band's ability to capture the essence of 1970s Italian music.

"La Canzone Del Nostro Tempo" features a mix of dark atmospheres and explosive grooves, exemplifying the band's compositional prowess. The dynamic shifts in rhythm and melody create a compelling listening experience, with a memorable arrangement in the closing section.

"Sonno" - A beautiful blend of acoustic guitar and keyboard arrangements sets the tone for this track. The gentle progression and vocal melodies, including falsetto, showcase the band's composition skills and emotive delivery.

"Sinfonia Delle Scarpe Da Tennis" - This song starts with a solemn organ melody accompanied by a shuffle rhythm, gradually expanding into a brighter, hopeful composition. Using percussion and bright keyboard melodies adds depth to the album's overall composition.

Despite the impressive pedigree of its members and the high expectations they generated, the group disbanded after releasing their second album, which was entirely instrumental and did not achieve the commercial success of the first. Lavezzi and Radius pursued solo careers, while the others became highly successful session musicians. Il Volo's active presence may have been brief, but their impact as part of Italy's prog-rock history remains significant, showcasing their prowess as musicians and innovators within the genre.