GIRO DI VALZER PER DOMANI

I just found this pretty rare disc after not hearing it for over 20 years. I'd had a very positive memory of it, and it doesn't disappoint. After recently acquiring "Tilt" as well, it's hard not to compare the two. While the former seems more cohesive and perfect as an album, this one has more interesting music on it, as well as more flaws. Especially unique to "Giro di Valser..." is the instrumentation. The harpsichords, clavinets and Vibraphones give it a very clear, almost classical texture. This is a very tight, melodic band, the melodies often remind one of film themes, especially by their compatriot Morricine, or some early Mothers tunes. There's also a more pronounced Mahavishnu bent on this album, especially in "Mescal", which could be McLaughlin, or Goodman and Hammer. Furio's drumming is, as always, so fast and precise that it's almnost hilarious. The man is simply inhuman, and at times too much, but his playing is so accomplished and distinctive, one decides to enjoy it despite the overkill.

Some of the compositions on this one are more elaborate than on "Tilt", what it shares are very good guitar and saxaphone soloing. But some of the vocals are suboptimal, especially on "Rinuncia", some people are using a mike without a liscense. This cut could easily be left off an otherwise outstanding album. The next tune, "Marilyn" is so luscious and refined, I almost melted on hearing again its lush clavinet chords, the soaring drums and drifting sax somewhere behind it in another space...easily one of the most touching "fusion" tracks I've ever heard. While "Tilt" suffers the fate of being too short, and leaving you wanting more, this CD release suffers the opposite fate; namely in the 2 terrible bonus tracks included. If their inane disco beat and cheesy pseudo-Weather Report melodies indicate the direction A&M went after this brilliant classic, then I'm glad I've never heard any of it. Because the first two albums by this unique outfit stand as peaks of the 2nd wave Italian progressive, and remain unsurpassed. It's positive, uplifting music that hits you like an injection of adrenalin.