All Prog From Italy Appreciation Thread

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OK, PA Italian fans! 

Periodically, I like to report on bands that have been added to the database, either by the RPI team or another team.  This list only includes ones that have come through the RPI team at some point, there are certainly other Italian additions which are not included here, such as metal bands that went straight through the PM team.  This is not meant to be a list of every recent addition, just some key ones that I personally am familiar with. 

The point is just to introduce them to readers who may not have noticed them so far, or as a reminder to check out.  Enjoy.  I linked them for convenience.  Apologies to those I missed.  Thanks to Linus and Todd my fellow team mates and also Raff, Andrea, Olav, and other collabs who have worked to increase the presence of Italian prog artists through additions, and to those who write the reviews! 





Architrave Indipendente: One of the most interesting takes on classic RPI, from a bunch of very nice guys who are huge analog fans.  Their album is proudly served up on vinyl and will fascinate many fans.  Quite recommended. 


Lucio Battisti:  After epic discussion and consideration among many people over years, Italy's legendary favorite son is finally at ProgArchives as a "prog-related" artist.  Most recommend his classic "Anima Latina" to prog fans, while earlier albums are more song based and later ones venturing into sophisticated, electronic pop with crossover appeal. 


Cormorano:  Area-lite I suppose you could say.  The vocalist is a Stratos devotee obviously. 


Laser: A super obscure RPI gem, I personally love this little album.  Not for everyone, but if interested in the minor players check out my review for details.


Altare Thotemico - One of 2009's most exciting RPI releases, these guys are wild, gregarious players and unapologetically passionate about music.  Hang onto your hats.  Kudos to Maracash for this band. 


Mario Cottarelli - A wonderful solo composer who wrote this suite in the 70s but was only able to record it recently.  I love it.  This album is for the keyboard fan as it is wall to wall keys from a superb player. 


Barock Project - Exciting new group that thrills most folks who hear them. 


Side C - Rookie band whose first 4-song demo can be heard for free at their myspace.  Check it out and give them some feedback.  Bold female vocals and interesting players. 


Mario Panseri - A composer and keyboardist who released a lovely soft-prog suite in 1973.   The album has just been reissued as a Japanese mini-lp CD and while pretty obscure, most people who hear the album love it. 


Nicosia & C - Not added yet, but coming very soon.  Amazing and unique take on RPI with a huge brass presence, slightly similar to but less aggressive than Officina Meccanica, they are more laid back and sometimes jazzy, but very interesting stuff.  I loved it on the first play. 


Alma Sideris - Another project from Gus Pasini of Corte Aulica fame. 


Il Babau - I can't remember, might have posted them before, but in any case, great stuff blending modern sound with classic feel.  For the adventurous. 





Edited by Finnforest - March 17 2010 at 18:24

Thanks for the list Jim, a few new names for me to check out there.

Todd, thanks for that, I didn't remember that Greg was doing that with AI.  That's great!  Now the vinyl thing need not stop anyone.  

Mario Cottarelli is great! I got his album from the artist himself, and we exchanged emails. It seems his brother also lives here in DC, since he works at the International Monetary Fund (where also one of my students works). I was really impressed by the album, which has very interesting lyrics and vocals as well as excellent keyboards. 

Thaks Todd and Andrea for the links, I'm an awful googler apparently ;-)

Edited by domizia - March 18 2010 at 03:34

He has it now David.   And nice to see you back around the villa

Greg's catalog isn't always updated immediately upon him getting stuff in. 

Ignore the "youtube sound quality" issues, and if the music intrigues you, check out their CD!