4TH

This mature release from the celebrated Italian fusion powerhouse finds the band exploring jazz-rock territory ranging from the whimsical realms of Canterbury (with Alberto Bonomi, normally the group's keyboard player and synth- wrangler, adding a touch of flute which really ties that sound together) to more ferocious Mahavishnu-esque workouts (with Silvio Minella more than earning his keep on lead guitar).

Combining technical proficiency with meaningful compositions with genuine emotion and sentiment behind them, DFA's 4th proves them to be a highly well-rounded unit and a welcome presence in the fusion subgenre. Alas, Duty Free Area called it a day a year after this album, but if you're going to wrap up a musical project, going out on a high like this one is the way to do it.