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Todd View Drop Down
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Points: 3472 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2010 at 10:53
Originally posted by Raff Raff wrote:

Originally posted by Moogtron III Moogtron III wrote:

Just listened to music from Angelo Branduardi's Concerto last weekend.

Interesting prog / prog folk artist. Quite original stuff.


Branduardi was a big favourite of mine in the late Seventies, and I still listen to his music with great pleasure. My favourite of his early albums (besides La luna, his second, which is now out of print), is La pulce d'acqua, which I also reviewed here on PA. The opening and closing tracks in particular are prog-folk masterpiecesClap!
 
Raff, I've looked for a while for his first two albums, but without success.  Do you know if someone is planning to reprint them?
"I have seen the broken sky turn blue."



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Points: 24429 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2010 at 11:07
I'll have a look at some Italian sites, and then get back to you. I know that La luna is currently only available as part of a compilation, or something like that. Pity, because it's a wonderful album, with a cracking version of Scottish medieval ballad "The Trees They Do Grow High" (recorded, among others, by Pentangle and Joan Baez), titled "Gli alberi sono alti", and another song based on a poem by Sergei Esenin
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Points: 3659 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2010 at 12:27
Originally posted by Finnforest Finnforest wrote:

Ivan weighs in from the  Vault:

Buon Vecchio Charlie by BUON VECCHIO CHARLIE album cover Studio Album, 1972
3.94 | 20 ratings
BUY
Buon Vecchio Charlie
Buon Vecchio Charlie Rock Progressivo Italiano

Review by Ivan_Melgar_M
Special Collaborator Symphonic Prog Specialist

5 stars Hard to find, but worth the effort

Edward Burke said "Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it", but we don't understand this message, people try to find new and original stuff in contemporary artists, but refuse to take a look to the past and research the unknown bands who made music so original that would make some self proclaimed innovators sound like copyists just because they never discovered this hidden gems.

This is the case of BUON VECCHIO CHARLIE, a pre PFM Italian band who released a fantastic self titled album in 1972 (recorded in 1971) with probably the most original adaptation of a classic. As a fact, I heard at least 5 or 6 versions of "In the Hall of the Mountain King" from the "Peer Gynt Suite" released years after by iconic Prog bands, but none of them so delicate and original as the one from this forgotten gem.

Last week I found this LP gathering dust in a box inside my deposit and decided to give them a chance, and what a surprise, whoever believes that PFM or Banco del Mutuo Soccorso were the pioneers of Italian Symphonic are wrong, this modest band, was there when the genre was in diapers.

Unlike most Italian bands who followed, BUON VECCHIO CHARLIE don't limit themselves to beautiful melodies and “pristine Symphonic songs, they dared to be different, yes, they take "In The Hall of the Mountain King" as the cornerstone of their album as many Symphonic groups did later, but they add so many different elements that would be hard to catalogue them in a determined genre.

The beautiful lyric sections morph in a matter of seconds to Jazzy passages, acoustic tracks and even rock hard when it's required, the distorted guitars go hand by hand with sweet clear acoustic guitar tunes, the pastoral flute coexists perfectly with the tortured Hammond organ and the jazzy Sax. This may sound as a mess, but the arrangements are so strong and crafted with such good taste, that one blends with the other, no matter how contradictory their nature may seem.

And if this wasn't enough, the beautiful lyrics in Italian, sung by the beautiful voice of Richard Benson with Sandro Centofanti making incredibly beautiful backing vocals, there's not a single unnecessary or missing elements, everything fits perfectly as a 10,000 pieces puzzle.

Making a song by song review, may spoil the adventure of discovering the original proposal of BUON VECCHIO CHARLIE, but I recommend to listen the 15 minutes epic "All'Uomo Che Raccoglie I Cartoni" with special care, a Progressive Rock masterpiece that proves this band was capable of great things.

And if you are lucky to find the CD (As I did yesterday in a rarities store for 20 bucks) you may listen the Medieval and "Troubadouresque" "Il Guardiano Della Valle" with a new and clear sound..

No questions, this is a transcendental and essential masterpiece of Progressive Rock that deserves no less than 5 stars.


 
It's a new one on me but sounds interesting. Smile
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Points: 16913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2010 at 14:34

I like it Paul.  As i recall its'a bit rough and jammy, like the Scandy band Midnight Sun, if you've heard them. 

But its been awhile, my recollection could be offWink
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Points: 16913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2010 at 21:47
And from Todd's vault.  I agree with this review pretty much.  But we can celebrate the average albums too, we don't always have to display the most acclaimed ones.

I Califfi Fiore di Metallo album cover

Posted Sunday, October 14, 2007 Review by Todd
SPECIAL COLLABORATOR Rock Progressivo Italiano!
3 stars Great potential!!

This is almost like three different groups coming together to make a good RPI album. There's the awesome progressive style with keyboards galore and shifting rhythms; the pop style with nice, memorable vocal passages and prog flavoring; and the straightforward blues-rock style with its repetetive riffs and unimaginative solos.

Let me start with the three great tracks, the most progressive entries on the album. The opener "Nel Mio Passato" is the most successful song which blends the various styles that the band brings to bear. Nice vocals, nice keyboards, melodic tune, good guitar work. Strong opening! The fourth track, "Varius," is a keyboard driven masterwork that is captivating and exciting. The closing track, "Campane," is a great blend of the above two works, with strong keyboards and good variety. If the entire album were along the lines of these three songs, this album would be considered a classic.

The three pop style songs, with a typical singer/songwriter style, are also excellent. They are "Alleluia Gente," "Felicita, Sorriso e Pianto," and "Madre Domani." As is typical of the italian pop style, they are centered around vocals, usually accompanied by nice acoustic guitar, mellow organ, and fairly straightforward rhythm section. "Alleluia" and "Madre" have really nice prog-inflected sections as well, featuring some excellent melodic keyboard work.

The three straightforward blues-rock songs, "Fiore Finto, Fiore di Metallo," "A Piedi Scalzi," and "Col Vento nei Cappelli," are completely forgettable. I now skip them every time I listen to the album.

Overall, the album isn't very successful at blending their various styles. (That kind of success is frequently seen in the RPI classic works.) The album seems fragmented to me, almost a hodgepodge of different composers with contrasting styles trying to force their will onto the rest of the band (late Beatles, anyone?). The album is good enough for three stars, but it could have been so much more . . .




Edited by Finnforest - February 10 2010 at 21:49
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Points: 12768 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2010 at 22:13
Well, I'm all too new to RPI (perhaps even to prog in general), but I've just received my share of RPI for a while: Banco's Darwin and Io Sono Nato Libero, PFM's Per un Amico and Storia di un Minuto, and Metamorfosi's Inferno. I've just heard Banco's CD's and Inferno, and so far I'm liking them, but still have to hear them more to digest them. Still have to hear PFM's ones. I guess my next step whenever I can is to get Le Orme's Sorona e Felona and Uomo di Pezza. Yes, I know some of the more rare lost gems are supposed to be more gratifying, but I guess I prefer to start with the more accesible, widley loved, easier to find albums.
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Points: 16913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2010 at 22:15
Oh you got some great stuff there Dellinger.  Take your time and get used to it slowly, don't try to force it.  You can worry about the rare stuff later.  Those albums will eventually click with you I can almost guarantee it.  Felona is my favorite Orme title and Storia my favorite PFM one.  Smile

Good luck!!
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Points: 12768 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 10 2010 at 23:11
Thanks, I'm sure I'll get into this CD's. I guess I'll go for Le Orme's 2 CD's next. I find Francesco's and Jimmy Spitalieri's vocals really outstanding, they are easily going into my favorite singers list (together with Jon Anderson, Greg Lake, and Annie Haslam, as far as I know still).

By the way, completly off-topic, I guess it's quiet safe to say you really liked Battle Star Gallactica...
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Points: 423 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2010 at 03:51
I open this blog in Unsigned bands sections:
 
 
 
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Points: 732 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2010 at 05:03
Originally posted by Dellinger Dellinger wrote:

Well, I'm all too new to RPI (perhaps even to prog in general), but I've just received my share of RPI for a while: Banco's Darwin and Io Sono Nato Libero, PFM's Per un Amico and Storia di un Minuto, and Metamorfosi's Inferno. I've just heard Banco's CD's and Inferno, and so far I'm liking them, but still have to hear them more to digest them. Still have to hear PFM's ones. I guess my next step whenever I can is to get Le Orme's Sorona e Felona and Uomo di Pezza. Yes, I know some of the more rare lost gems are supposed to be more gratifying, but I guess I prefer to start with the more accesible, widley loved, easier to find albums.
Clap Sounds like a plan.

Why must my spell-checker continually underline the word "prog"?

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Points: 4006 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2010 at 12:14
I'm thinking of buying Terra In Bocca by I Giganti and I'd be grateful for some advice. Does anyone know anything about the Japanese version on the Marquee label? The ItalianProg website only describes the Vinyl Magic and Arkama discs, although it does also mention a Korean version on the Si-Wan label. Is the Japanese version an official release? Is it a copy of the original vinyl album, or is it taken from demo-tapes like a couple of the Vinyl Magic versions? Is the Akarma version a copy of the original vinyl album?
 
All help greatly appreciated, thanks!!  
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Points: 16913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2010 at 12:31
Chris, I'll check my version when I get home and get back to you later.  Or Todd will see this first, he knows all about the different versions I think. 
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Points: 16913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2010 at 12:35
Originally posted by Dellinger Dellinger wrote:

Thanks, I'm sure I'll get into this CD's. I guess I'll go for Le Orme's 2 CD's next. I find Francesco's and Jimmy Spitalieri's vocals really outstanding, they are easily going into my favorite singers list (together with Jon Anderson, Greg Lake, and Annie Haslam, as far as I know still).

By the way, completly off-topic, I guess it's quiet safe to say you really liked Battle Star Gallactica...
 
 
That's a fair statement to level at the Kara fanboy.  LOL
 
Loved the way it dealt with contemporary political matters between military and civilian power, very thought provoking, yet still entertaining. 
 
Now we're into Babylon 5 which is kinda like Star Trek but very entertaining.  We're unashamed Sci-Fi geeks.


Edited by Finnforest - February 11 2010 at 12:36
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Points: 530 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2010 at 13:09
Why isn't "Andrč Sulla Luna "(Arturo Stalteri's album) featured here on PA?
 
he was the main creative force of Pierrot Lunaire and he released this solo album in 1979...
a prog-electronic record, entirely instrumental, sometimes the keyboard sounds are too dated but it's a fun album.
 
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Points: 24429 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2010 at 14:06
Originally posted by Luca Pacchiarini Luca Pacchiarini wrote:

Why isn't "Andrč Sulla Luna "(Arturo Stalteri's album) featured here on PA?
 
he was the main creative force of Pierrot Lunaire and he released this solo album in 1979...
a prog-electronic record, entirely instrumental, sometimes the keyboard sounds are too dated but it's a fun album.
 


Because an album cannot be featured without the artist who made itWink. Hopefully Jim and Todd will see this post, and take up your suggestion. Unfortunately, if his solo output does not qualify for RPI, it 's very unlikely he will be added to Prog Electronic.

Edit: Found a review of the album, but won't post a link here, because there is also a link to illegal downloads. Here's the artist's home page:

http://www.arturostalteri.com




Edited by Raff - February 11 2010 at 14:08
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Points: 2066 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2010 at 14:17
^^^
Here you can listen to the last Arturo Stąlteri's album in streaming:
 
 
And here to another one:
 
 
 


Edited by andrea - February 11 2010 at 14:21
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Points: 16913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2010 at 14:33
Thanks Mandi and Luca, we will check those out.  Smile
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Points: 16913 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2010 at 18:50
Originally posted by Luca Pacchiarini Luca Pacchiarini wrote:

Why isn't "Andrč Sulla Luna "(Arturo Stalteri's album) featured here on PA?
 
he was the main creative force of Pierrot Lunaire and he released this solo album in 1979...
a prog-electronic record, entirely instrumental, sometimes the keyboard sounds are too dated but it's a fun album.
 


Hey Luca, listened to a bunch of different tracks, though sadly only found one from the '79 album.  Most of the rest is lovely classical and new age instrumental stuff, mostly piano based.  Beautiful, though probably not "progressive rock" enough for this genre.  The link to a previous prog band is not sufficient of course.  Maybe electronic would consider for addition, I don't know, you'd have to propose to that genre team.  But I really enjoy this kind of music, and will certainly revisit him if I can score the CD reissue of that first album.  Thanks for the heads upThumbs Up

Todd, do you happen to have this '79 album?  If so, what do you think. 
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Points: 3472 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2010 at 19:06
Originally posted by seventhsojourn seventhsojourn wrote:

I'm thinking of buying Terra In Bocca by I Giganti and I'd be grateful for some advice. Does anyone know anything about the Japanese version on the Marquee label? The ItalianProg website only describes the Vinyl Magic and Arkama discs, although it does also mention a Korean version on the Si-Wan label. Is the Japanese version an official release? Is it a copy of the original vinyl album, or is it taken from demo-tapes like a couple of the Vinyl Magic versions? Is the Akarma version a copy of the original vinyl album?
 
All help greatly appreciated, thanks!!  
 
You may want to purchase the newly minted Blue-Spec CD version, which boasts superior dynamics (though not a different mix).  I don't know which version they used for this, however.  I have the Vinyl Magic version that is the good one, thankfully.  Raff mentioned that the version that comes with the book is very good--it also has a bonus track, an acoustic rendition of part of the album, or something along those lines.  I don't know if the Akarma is based on the original vinyl or master tapes.
 
Great album, by the way.  One of the best pre-1972 RPI albums out there.
"I have seen the broken sky turn blue."



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Points: 3472 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: February 11 2010 at 19:07
Originally posted by Finnforest Finnforest wrote:

Originally posted by Luca Pacchiarini Luca Pacchiarini wrote:

Why isn't "Andrč Sulla Luna "(Arturo Stalteri's album) featured here on PA?
 
he was the main creative force of Pierrot Lunaire and he released this solo album in 1979...
a prog-electronic record, entirely instrumental, sometimes the keyboard sounds are too dated but it's a fun album.
 


Hey Luca, listened to a bunch of different tracks, though sadly only found one from the '79 album.  Most of the rest is lovely classical and new age instrumental stuff, mostly piano based.  Beautiful, though probably not "progressive rock" enough for this genre.  The link to a previous prog band is not sufficient of course.  Maybe electronic would consider for addition, I don't know, you'd have to propose to that genre team.  But I really enjoy this kind of music, and will certainly revisit him if I can score the CD reissue of that first album.  Thanks for the heads upThumbs Up

Todd, do you happen to have this '79 album?  If so, what do you think. 
 
I don't have that one.  I have to agree with your assessment for the site, Jim--based on the tracks I was able to access, the music is pleasant but not really RPI or even progressive.
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