(EC)CITAZIONI NEOCLASSISCHE (AS MAURY E I PRONOMI)

Coming from Moncalieri, Italy and formed as Aquael in 1979, this band was led by keyboardist Maurizio Galia and founding members Enrico Testera on bass and Nicola Guerriero on guitar.The rise of British Prog during the 80's gave them hope for a succesful career, but, despite changing their sound to more accesible forms and their name to Lego in 1985 (along with the arrival of singer Marco D'Angeli and drummer Alberto Bordone in the place of Aldo Leone) they disbanded at the end of the decade.A new formation with all three original members appears in the 90's and the style returns to the progressive roots, while in 1995 they become Maury E I Promemoria, releasing the album ''Ziqqurat nel canavese'' in 1997.A new change of name follows, the band becomes Maury E I Pronomi and releases a compilation of old and new pieces in 2000, ''Tanganica, il passato ed il futuro'', sold via a pair of websites in the limited number of 150 copies.Apparently they came to the attention of Raoul Caprio of the Kaliphonia label, but as the company demised, they signed a contract with Mellow Records, releasing ''(Ec)citazioni neoclassiche'' in February 2005.Gialia, Guerriero and Testera were supported by young drummer Sergio Ponti with Marco Giacone Griva and Sergio Cagliero as guests on lead guitar and organ respectively.

There are certain signs the band had fully returned to the progressive style of the early years and the grand 26-min. opener ''Il racconto degli Dei'' is the absolute example.This is beautiful Symphonic Rock of the Italian Prog tradition with native vocal language, similar to CONSORZIO ACQUA POTABILE and SITHONIA, having a strong sense of melody and evident influences from bands like PREMIATA FORNERIA MARCONI, CELESTE or SEMIRAMIS.With a lovely combination of synthesizers, piano and organ, an accomplished guitarist with a sensitive touch and Maurizio Galia having taken over the vocal duties with his emotional voice, this composition is full of thematic changes in both dramatic and romantic deliveries with a very symphonic sound, exploring a range of musical colors, either in melodic or more intricate arrangements and eventually offering a palette of Italian Prog colors with Classical influences in evidence.The rest of the displayed material is no less interesting.''Lei e Venezia'' is another long track, clocking at 12 minutes, featuring big symphonic moves on keyboards and impressive guitar work full of emotion, the instrumental parts are long, elaborate and rich and the lyrics are very poetic and expressive, great piece of art by any means.''Voglio cambiare'' is the most rockin' piece in here with a full organ-based sound and touches of harpsicord, supported by great vocal lines and some bombastic synthesizers.''Oceano'' is about 9 minutes long, this one contains organ, synths, flute and sax as the leading instruments, creating a very flexible but still symphonic sound with slight psychedelic edges, while the closing ''L'assenza'' has some OSANNA-like flute work among the familiar Classical-drenched keyboards and the very dramatic sound of guitars.

My only complaint comes from the average production, otherwise this could have been labeled as a masterpiece of Italian Prog.Overlooked band and album, excellent work of Symphonic Rock with masterful arrangements and convincing vocals.No less than highly recommended.