COGLI LA PRIMA MELA

Angelo Branduardi blows a gentle goodbye kiss to the 1970s with his musical integrity intact. Whether this is tastefully orchestrated soft rock with heavy folk accents, or perhaps folk oriented rock with orchestral flourishes, it is an utterly guileless work of honour.

The album opens with arguably its best track, the lively Latin spiced title cut with Branduardi's voice and violin taking hold of a delightful melody flawlessly arranged. From there it is barely a step down to the magical balladry of "Se tu sei cielo", the Battiato-like "La Strega", the timeless lullaby-styled tune conveyed by "La Raccolta", and the airily bouncy "Colori".

The only truly weak spot is the ineffectual pop of "Il Gufo E Il Pavone", although the traditionally Celtic "Donna Ti Voglio Cantare" does not add a whole lot to either the disk or the legacy, and "Il Signore Di Baux" is a bit too soundtrack-y, the warmth of Branduardi's strings overruled by a military rigidity. The closing cut is a bit drawn out but does conclude with sweet acoustic guitar re-iteration of the main theme.

All in all, another top shelf contribution by this Italian talent, awaiting discovery by those not bound to peer pressure in prog folk and RPI circles and beyond.