VOCI

Luciano Basso is an ultra-talented pianist, composer and teacher from Italy and this was his first album released in 1976. He purposely tried to distance his music from the Symphonic Rock cliches as he calls them and do something different and innovative. In the process he succeeded in creating an RPI classic. The usual Rock instruments of drums, guitar and bass are here as Luciano adds a variety of keyboards including organ, electric piano, harpichord, mellotron and piano.We also get a fair amount of cello and violin filling out the sound.

"Preludio" opens with piano as strings join in. A change before 2 1/2 minutes as it settles some and gets emotional. Guitar before 4 minutes followed by drums. How good is this ! Another change 6 minutes in with a good rhythm. "Promenade I" is uptempo as drums and strings lead. Organ joins in quickly. Nice. A harpischord solo takes over after a minute and continues until after 3 minutes then the previous soundscape returns. Great sound. "Promenade II" opens with a beautiful piano melody as bass helps out. It changes before 1 1/2 minutes as the organ and mellotron take over. Piano and bass are back as contrasts continue.

"Voci" is led by piano and strings as the organ comes floating in. Drums and a fuller sound 2 minutes in. Killer stuff ! The drumming is so impressive on this track. Piano only 4 minutes in then the drums and strings join in after 5 1/2 minutes. Guitar 6 1/2 minutes in as the sound gets louder. Nice bass here too. Piano and strings lead again after 7 1/2 minutes as the organ comes floating in again as themes are repeated. Fantastic song. "Echo" opens with some powerful organ and vocal melodies. Piano takes over a minute in. Strings join in too.Guitar,vocal melodies and a beat take over after 2 1/2 minutes, organ too.The keyboards and guitar sound excellent before 7 minutes as themes are repeated and contrasted.

This is a classic and should be in every RPI fan's collecion.