COME IN UN'ULTIMA CENA

Well, I've had a listening tour de force with this album, lately. An english version of �??Come in un Ultima Cena�?� was also released on Manticore label as �??As in a Last Supper�?�. The translation was provided by Angelo Branduardi who also features as a guest musician on violin. This 1976 record stands as the last true prog classics from Banco. Its fame is all highly deserved. There are no epics or extended tracks, the longer being just over 7 minutes. Vocals of Francesco di Giacomo have a more prominent role but, as always mix perfectly with the superb arrengements. A more dramatic feel permeates the nine songs. In the most part Banco go on aggressively alternating moments of highest musical poetry and intimacy. This is self evident in the convincing opener �??A Cena per Esempio�?� (6,29 mns).

�??Il Ragno�?� (4,55 mns) is another reason to make this record a must have. The song is a live favourite, a live classic with strong appeal, catchy rythm and climax. The only negative thing is that it ends too soon. �??E' Così Buono Giovanni, Ma�?� (3,32) is simply beautiful. A soft and romantic poem with delicate vocals. Acoustic guitar whispering to warm classic piano. One of the most romantic tunes by Banco.

�??Slogan�?� (7,23 mns) brings back the listener to the propulsive force of the band and really shocked me at the very first listenings 'cause its vague Magma flavour in the opening theatrical choral part! The second section goes slower in a sort of suspended animation.

Side two opens also magnifically with mellower �??Si Dice che i Delfini Parlino�?� (5,50), classic piano and ethereal violin by Branduardi. Delicacy is the trade mark, again, but no soft, after all. Then it's up to my personal favourite: the impressive �??Voila Mida (Il Guaritore�?� (6,14 mns). It opens with magical piano arpeggios alternating with mysterious drumming obsessive atmosphere. The listener remains breathless. Their most prog effort here. One of their best tracks ever. The second half apparently continues the same patterns but goes on with an optimistic and joyful theme in the best tradition of Banco. It's difficult to explain how they do it. But that's it. Just try. The short �??Quando la Buona Gente Dice�?� (1,57 mns) virtually continues and closes the previous song. Choruses at first, then Francesco di Giacomo for an immidiate pleasure! �??La Notte E' Piena�?� (4,14) features fabulous classic guitar and violin, again. Warm, inspired and nocturnal as the title itself. The closer �??Fino alla Mia Porta�?� (4,30 mns) repeats the same formula of the harder parts: fast rythms, up-tempos and changing moods. A light touch of jazzy flavour with inspired electric guitar solos. The second half is astonishing with a wonderful melody wisely arranged with a dramatic formula. Great.

In conclusion: this is a classic, a longly forgotten gem that I never understood in the past. Now it's all clear outside my window.