PROG EXHIBITION - 40 ANNI DI MUSICA IMMAGINIFICA (RPI) (7CD + 4DVD)

Once the Italian capital Rome was the heart of the Ancient World. On November the 5th and 6th 2010 this wonderful city was the heart of the Italian progrock world: a two day festival with reunited old Italian bands and interesting new Italian bands featuring many musicians from the classic line-ups, topped with a delicate selection of legendary progrock musicians from the UK and The Netherlands! This magical progrock event has been released as a lavish box set, with 7 CD's, 4 DVD's and an extensive booklet.

CD 1 : The festival was opened by the performance of Sinestesia, they presented their harder-edged prog with hints from Dream Theater. Then the 'unknown legend' The Trip featuring a sound that alternates between ELP and Yes, great to see the inspired 60+ keyboard player on his Hammond organ. But also a strong contribution by guest guitarist Fabri Kiareli in the composition Ode A J. Hendrix.

CD 2 : The acclaimed new band Maschera Di Cera pleased those who love 70-77 Genesis and Steve Hackett solo, wonderful and what an awesome vintage keyboard sound. Then Le Orme legends Aldo Tagliapietra and Antonio Pagliuca (with Tolo Marton), back on stage after 35 years and joined by former King Crimson violin player David Cross. What a performance by this Le Orme line-up, playing their wonderful, highly praised Seventies songs, including some Felona. An extra flavour was David Cross his sensational electric violin work, featuring a version of the titletrack Exiles (from his 1997 solo album).

CD 3 + CD 4 : Next on stage the legend of all 'classic' Italian progrock legends: PFM, supported by another legend, guest musician Ian Anderson (playing Jethro Tull tracks Bour'e and My God), of course on flute traverse! They played outstanding versions of their best Seventies work, from Il Banchetto and Impressioni Di Settembre to La Carrozza di Hans and the crowd pleaser Celebration, including the cheerfull Minimoog synthesizer flights, what a progrock party!

CD 5 : The new band Periferia Del Mondo delivered a good gig, they make varied progrock music, very well received. Next the 'new' Raccomandata Ricevuta Di Ritorno featuring Dutch progrock legend Thijs van Leer and former Goblin keyboard player Claudio Simonetti. The crowd was pleased with some Goblin work (Suspiria and Profondo Rosso) and a strong rendition of Focus their catchy hit single House Of The King (swirling flute traverse play by Thijs Van Leer, obviously enjoying the special atmosphere!).

CD 6 : The most interesting new band was Abash, playing their blend of prog metal and ethnic music (Africa/Arabia) with female singer Anna Rito Luceri. She is not only a visual eyecatcher but she also delivers the same powerful voice as on their studio album. The very popular 'classic' Italian band Osanna featured two great musicians. First keyboard player Gianni Leone from Seventies Il Balleto Di Bronzo, their highly acclaimed album Ys (1972) is one of the albums that epitomizes the 'classic' Italian prog, so varied and adventurous. And second the VDGG saxophone ' and flute player David Jackson (VDGG). Both musicians got a huge response and they contributed very well to the strong compositions of Osanna their unique prog sound, the crowd showed their appreciation many times!

CD 7 : Finally Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso featuring the late singer Francesco Di Giacomo (who died early 2014), one of the best vocal performers in the world of progrock. He delivered so much emotional depth to the music, especially on R.I.P., halfway during the mellow part with piano and vocals, wet eyes and goose bumps! The crowd enjoyed the setlist with many 'classic' tracks, from Metamorfsoi to Traccia II, embellished with great work on keyboards by the virtuosic Vittorio Nocenzi!

One unpleasant note: the late John Wetton (who died early 2017) played with Banco on this festival but he is not on this box, due to problems with copyright I read in the booklet. But you can check YouTube where you will find a video featuring John Wetton and Banco playing Starless (on November 6th, 2010).

DVD 1,2,3 and 4 contain all the music from the 7 CD's. The filming is good, the lightshow is very tasteful and you can experience the special atmosphere and the joy of the inspired musicians and the often excited crowd on those two magical evenings.

My conclusion: I am delighted about this trip into the world of the Italian progrock, in fact a kind of overview of five decades. And I like the choice of the organisation to blend reunited old bands and new bands with an adventurous and varied musical vision (as in the genuine Italian progrock tradition), with the addition of spectacular progrock guests, you can't beg more for, what a treat!