RICK WAKEMAN & MARIO FASCIANO: STELLA BIANCA ALLA CORTE DI RE FERDINANDO

A hidden gem in Wakeman's really vast catalogue. 'Stella Bianca' is the follow-up to 'Black Nights', an album made in collaboration with italian singer Mario Fasciano based on neapolitan style melodies. I find this second CD a bit more varied and likeable. The title track is among Rick's best songs: besides the great melody, a harpsichord-like sound makes you really feel like a journey back in time to the italian Renaissance. The rest of the record is also very beautiful, specially the only instrumental track. And, above all, this is one of the few Wakeman records in which the singer is not annoying!