STORIA DI UN MINUTO

Influenced by the expansive progressive winds blowing from the British Isles since the late 60's and early 70's, Premiata Forneria Marconi absorbed and experimented with the new textures and their endless possibilities, and fused them with elements of the proud native folk music to create a recognisable identity of their own. It is in this context of effervescence and creative freedom that the Italians released the relaxed "Storia Di Un Minuto", considered at the time one of the best debut albums of the genre.

Generally reflective and melodic landscapes are sustained by a neat and impeccable instrumentation, as in the autumnal "Impressioni di Settembre", which as soon as the brief and crimsonian "Introduzione" is finished, plunges into an arpeggiated acoustic development and Franco Mussida's whispering singing, where the flutes and the moog, a novelty for the peninsulars, add a misty and dramatic effect, or in the medieval and sentimental "Dove.... Quando... (Part I)", or in the atmospheric "La Carrozza di Hans" that although it follows the same introspective acoustic path, towards its progressive epilogue introduces electric guitars and genesian melotrons.

But "Storia Di Un Minuto" also has its own festive moment with the lighthearted and successful "E Festa", a piece developed in the best Italian tarantella style in prog rock mode and driven by the extroverted keyboards of Flavio Premoli. The same Premoli, very much in the style of Keith Emerson on the keyboards, also stars in the interesting "Dove... Quando... (Part II)", a jazzy improvisation supported by a hesitant flute and violins, both played by Mauro Pagani.

The upbeat "Grazie Davvero" and its calm beginning and subsequent instrumental development, which includes experimental orchestral sounds, up to its arpeggiated acoustic ending, closes the album peacefully.

With no low points to overshadow its content, "Storia Di Un Minuto" is an unbeatable starting point for Premiata Forneria Marconi, one of the iconic bands of the Italian progressive movement and the one with the greatest international repercussion.

4.5 stars