LA BAMBIBANDA E MELODIE

It´s incredible how broad this scene is, and how it just keeps unfolding itself before you. When you think you´ve got it pinned down, it spits out another gem that makes you think twice about the true nature of the music. It´s symphonic, no wait a minute it´s eclectic - or maybe it´s more heavy based? The fact of the matter is, that it´s a very shifting and varying scene that boasts nearly every category featured here at PA. This album is no exception, as it sports a very uncharacteristic approach to the scene, but still retains its bond to RPI through melody, heart and soul.

Bambibanda E Melodie is a wonderful new experience to me, and one I hadn´t quite prepared myself for. Recently I´ve been listening a lot to Krautrock and some of the more out there electronic artists, and here the other day whilst teasing my cat with a piece of bacon, I found this record hiding underneath a commode collecting dust. It had been quite a while since my last listening, and I immediately popped it on the stereo. A far cry from the freak out records that´s been playing at my apartment the last couple of months - no doubt, but a much needed change. I had almost forgotten the sheer pleasure of being lured into ecstasy by butter instead of sandpaper and gravel.

In describing the music within, I find it almost impossible not to make references to the smooth and Hispanic rhythm based fusion of Santana. But the comparisons stop there, as Bambibanda E Melodie sounds much more melody driven and laid back. It´s music you put on, when you´re out on a moonlight drive, or going for a swim in a calm and quiet lake, where the waters nestle around you like a longtime fluid friend. From the beautiful guitar work that very melodiously leads these pieces in between bluesy wails and smooth jiving riffing, - to the tight percussion section that never tries to break the image of the aforementioned midnight swim, - this album makes you smile with conviction and relaxes you like an early morning blowjob in the shower.

Although this album only sports one guitarist, it sure sounds as a twin-duo cooking up solos that intertwine themselves as well as juxtaposing each other - and always at the right moments. Like Santana, the melodies seem to come from out of nowhere, but they are there, and rely mostly on a single guitar string at a time. Again there´s an overwhelming smooth texture attached to it, that conveys the image of a musician who´s taking his time - waltzing with the morning light. A thing he obviously enjoys together with the bass player here, who is the booming proof that the bass can be a sensuous instrument.

I guess the only thing about La Bambibanda E Melodie´s sole record that seems out of place, is the sparsely used vocals. Normally I turn to RPI for a dose of what might be the most beautiful language outside Portugal - sung with vigor and warmth that´ll break through the hardest of nutcases, but not on this release. They are a bit flat, and sound like they belong to an indecisive hangover. On the other hand, the vocals here take up about 1% of the experience, and you nearly forget about them as the music plays it´s buttery tribute.

If you´re into the fusion part of Santana´s output and just can´t keep still whenever the congas starts their hypnotic and persuasive ode to the first simian invention - the beat - you ´ll want to check out this wonderful album. Warm and smooth like a woman´s breast bathed in orange sunlight.

Although the difference between the first two bands was not obvious since it led to fully Hendrix oriented music, this one is rather different in style.

The trio drums, bass and guitar has been joined by an additional percussionist who is really prominent in several tracks. The music is mainly instrumental. Italian symph lovers, be aware that this album holds little of these elements. It is mainly jazz/fusion oriented, but with a symphonic angle.

I can't help to compare this work with some "Santana" albums (post "Caravanseraï") or solo album from the great man.

The long "Pian Della Tortilla" is the best example I can find about this relation, but there are plenty of others as well. This epic is the highlight of this album even if some parts might be considered as too jammy. It takes some time to get there since the start is quite hesitant. But once the screaming guitar begins to soar, a deep "Santana" feel invades your ears. It is only augmented by the very good percussion work.

The melodic and symphonic "Libera E Felice" shows a completely different angle from the band. Much more accessible, and again fully "Santana" oriented during the wonderful guitar part. But most of this album features this wonderful influence and "Calabuigi" is no different. Superb fusion moment, that's a given.

Some upbeat and more rocking atmosphere is conveyed during the joyful "Piccolo Gitano". Just to show the band can also play in another register. But one is soon brought back into the "Santana" mood with the very good "Mare Delle Terre Medie".

I'm very sorry to have made so many references to one of my beloved bands, but there is hardly no way to avoid the feeling while reviewing this album. Just bear in mind that you won't hear the Latin rock of the early years, but well the jazz-fusion times available in the mid seventies.

This is a good album which should be classified in the jazz-rock style. Three stars (seven out of ten to be honest).