LA FAMIGLIA DEGLI ORTEGA

La Famiglia degli Ortega (The Ortega Family) was a large Folk Rock ensemble from Genova, Italy, found in 1972 by guitarists/percussionists Ruben and Nestor Ortega.Despite playing at the Genova and Sanremo Pop festivals and working as a backing choir for Delirium, La Famiglia degli Ortega recorded their only self-titled album without the Ortega brothers, who had left the band.No less than 10 musicians and singers played in the album plus some guests like Antonio Marangolo from Flea on keyboards, drummer Tullio De Piscopo from New Trolls and drummer Paolo Siani from Nuova Idea.

The album, which is extremely rare in its original form, is known for its ethereal atmospheres under a folky enviroment, quite similar to SAINT JUST or Xian groups like LA SORGENTE with a bit of ALAN SORRENTI thrown in, and most of the tracks are acoustic, dreamy pieces with superb female vocals, light bass work, plenty of percussion and the appropriate acoustic strings, but what makes it really unique is the omnipresent synth-drenched soundscapes of Antonio Marangolo, who slowly reveals himself as a main figure.Otherwise the tracks are filled with acoustic and classical guitars, poetic lyrics and even some low-key piano lines, while a few tracks contain discreet electric guitars, sweet violin and a proper rhythm section with regular bass and drum work.It's not much of a progressive release, but it is definitely an excellent approach on ethereal and harmonic Folk Rock with a balanced sound between acoustic formations and keyboard/rock tectures, featuring also some hidden jazzy influences in several pieces.A few other pieces are borderline Folk Pop, like ''Merryon'' and its harmonica-based groovy atmosphere or ''Una vecchia corriera chiamata Harry Way'' and its very Beat-esque chorus with the clapping and multi-vocal approach.But even these cuts have a nice melodic or joyful content, while the album is surprisingly consistent at the end of the way.

During 1974/75 the ensemble even visited the USA for some live dates and disbanded after their completion.Alberto Canepa, Gianni Martini and Bruno Biggi served later as a singer, guitarist and bassist respectively for the newborn Assemblea Musicale Teatrale.

Lovely semi-progressive Folk/Folk Rock with melodious themes, harmonic vocal arrangements, some dramatic and more optimistic moods and a fine combination of keyboard/piano-based themes mixed with acoustic instruments.Recommended.