NUDO

CD1 (Studio e Unplugged) contains one new song, "Nudo", and acoustic versions of some band's classics. "Nudo" is a 3-part 15 minute track with some modern sounds, quite in the vein of BANCO previous release, "Il 13". Acoustic versions are interesting for BANCO fans, but I can't recommend them to newcomers, because IMO some songs, especially "RIP", lose some of their magic and energy. From other hand, songs like "E mi vieni da pensari" and "750.000 anni fa... l'amore?" sound beautifully. I think 3 stars is enough for CD1.

CD2 (Live) presents live recordings, mostly from 1997 Japan concerts. Despite the fact that songs were taken from different shows they sound like one concert. The set of songs, performance and sound quality are excellent and deserve 5 stars (so my total rating is 4 stars). These live recordings have also been released as a separate CD "Nudo Live".

Work released in 1998 "Nude". 2CD piece sets powerful by live including Japan performance and new song.I want BANCO to come to Japan again by all means. It is indeed a brilliant performance. It is necessary to listen to this album once if you are a fan of BANCO. Five stars.Essential: a masterpiece of progressive music.

This is a double CD released in 1997 that contains some unplugged and live versions of some songs of BMS progressive years.

The first CD (Studio and Unplugged) contains "Nudo" - a new "studio" track in three parts that gives the name to the album (quite disappointing indeed) - and some old songs rearranged only with piano, vocals and two acoustic guitars: that's could be very interesting for the fans that can listen here to some new versions of masterpieces like "R.I.P.", "Il ragno" and "L'evoluzione". but I miss bass and drums (except in the amazing "E mi viene da pensare") and if you are not familiar with this band in my opinion is better listen to the original versions.

The second CD (Live) contains four tracks from two 1997's concerts (25 and 26 may at the "On Air West" in Tokyo to be exact, as indicated in the booklet) - "Sul palco" and "La band" are just Francesco Di Giacomo talking introducing the band - "La conquista della posizione eretta" and "Metamorfosi" are quite good performances, while "Guardami le spalle" (from the album "Il 13" with Vittorio Nocenzi on lead vocals) and the instrumental "Roma / Tokyo" are less interesting. Tracks from 7 to 10 are from a 1995 concert in Padova (Italy) and the last two tracks are taken from a 1989 concert in Avigliana (Turin - Italy). At the end of "Non mi rompete" (slightly different from the studio version in the structure, as in the live "Capolinea") there's a hidden track. nothing interesting, just the reprise of "Nudo"! Personally as a live album I prefer "Capolinea" that is more compact.

Anyway, although not essential, in the whole "Nudo" is a good album with new versions of great songs, especially recommended for the fans.

It appears that from the 90s onwards, BMS (or just Banco, whichever they call themselves these days) has been preoccupied with rehashing their past glories: re-recording their classics, releasing compilations, live albums, etc. The most significant of those, I'd say, was "Nudo", a two-CD album with both studio material and live recordings.

Disc 1 begins with "Nudo", a new, three-part composition which goes to show that, unfortunately, Banco is still very much into mainstream music. While it's a considerably modernized (and even "metallized" in places) version of what the band did in the 80s, it's hardly better, as the intricate riffs and sweet melodies BMS are best known for are nowhere to be found. Fortunately, the rest of disc 1 consists of mostly unplugged (I detected a little bit of synth work here and there) versions of the band's early classics, as well as some more recent songs. More interestingly, these recordings feature no drums or percussion whatsoever; while this isn't much of a problem with "E mi viene da pensare" or "750.000 anni fa ... l'amore?", which in their original version featured a minimal amount of drums and electronic instruments anyway; however, on tracks like "RIP or "il Ragno, which require a much more rhythmic approach, the band substitutes drums with energetic, often percussive guitar strumming, and this does the trick most of the time. The one track I was disappointed with is "L'evoluzione", mainly because it focuses almost entirely on the "ragtime" part of the song, while ignoring it's best moments.

Moving on to disc 2: and the setlist doesn't excite me much as none of my personal BMS favorites are included, and I'm generally not a big fan of live albums anyway, but this is one fine concert! "Metamorfosi" is certainly the best version of the composition I've heard anyway. Also of interest is the fact that the there are actually some \m/ METAL\m/ influences here as well. These aren't at all prominent, mind you, but if you listen closely to track 2 you'll hear heavy guitar chugging that seems to have come straight from a Dream Theater album; the drumming also reflects these influences a bit. I assume this comes from the younger members of the band.

Thus, not a bad release at all. While a bit short of "Excellent", it deserves a solid 3.5 stars.

This 2-CD (1997) by Italian progrock legend Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso contains material from the new line-up. CD-1 start with the titletrack (Part I, II, III), a studio piece from 1997: first a fluent rhythm, fiery electric guitar and modern sounding keyboards (on the Kurzweil 2500). The vocals are still great, very powerful and inspired, loaded with that typical Mediterrean pathos! The next five songs are between March and April 1997 'unplugged' recorded in Rome: sparkling piano (virtuosic like Keith Emerson), wonderful acoustic rhythm guitar and again great vocals. Especially the renditions of the 'classics' R.I.P. and L'Evoluzione sound impressive. CD-1 ends with two live pieces from the Italian radio: Emiliano (acoustic guitar and again excellent piano work) and 750.000 Anni Fa ..L'Amore? (beautiful interplay between piano and vocals). CD-2 showcases Banco at their best: from dreamy to bombastic with lots of swirling soli and duets on guitar and keyboards. Very exciting is the long Metamorfosi (12 minutes) delivering propulsive piano play, flashy synthesizers, biting electric guitar runs and a great build-up end, the climax is very moving, also due to the splendid vocals! CD-2 ends with two tracks that are taken from a live performance in Avigliana (near Turin) on september 1989... at the end of "Non mi rompete" there's a hidden studio track (a short reprise of Nudo).

THIS IS A PROGROCK DOCUMENT FROM ITALIAN LEGEND BANCO!!

Thanks to Andrea for the 'additional information'.

One of the better live albums by the progressive rock legend. The only subject of acquired taste is the subdued first half with 1 new studio recording (the title track) and acoustic live tracks. I recommend listening this album during more reflective moments when its musicianship and focus on atmosphere rather than flamboyance impresses more listeners. Tracks played are chosen greatly with old classics but also forays into 80-90's. All instrumentalists are highly competent but I would highlight the keyboard prowess and power of multiple styles. However, unexpectedly good acoustic guitar is also tempting. The missing dynamism of the first CD is compensated by the second CD with richer sound and intensity contrasts - short light tracks and almost full-blown epics. It's also positive that the singer leaves enough room for unspoken music.

Recommended for all Banco fans of later sound.