BAMBI FOSSATI & GARYBALDI

GARYBALDI released two albums in the early seventies, the first "Nuda" being very much a tribute to Hendrix it would seem with guitarist Bambi Fossati doing his best Jimi impression. Even the vocals at times were like Hendrix. Not very original sounding and 3 stars in my opinion. The second and final release of the early seventies was "Astrolabio" which was much less Hendrix influenced, and we got two side long suites. They dropped from a four piece on the debut to a three piece here with the keyboardist leaving. I felt this was a 4 star recording, and more original sounding for sure.

The band breaks up as the guitarist and drummer just can't agree on the musical direction. So in 1990 we get a comeback album from this trio and with Bambi's name now in the band's title. I think there was a compromise here, as the drummer gets his wish for poppier music, and Bambi gets his name highlighted. I have to say I can hardly tolerate this record at times. It is so commercial sounding to a fault. Like a shot at making some money it would seem. But for the prog fan this is a tough one. Cringe-worthy moments abound. We get eight tracks over 36 minutes.

No I will never play this one again but at least I have "Astrolabio" if I want to hear Bambi's gifted playing on that guitar. This one really is for those Fossati fans who just can't get enough.