MANIFESTAZIONI LIVE 2011-2023

Vocalist/voice artist Claudio Milano is a stand-alone figure on Italian music scene. Singer with wide-range operatic vocals, Claudio works on a fragile soil mixing classical music, free improvisation, Italian tradition and progressive rock aesthetics. Knowing Claudio almost for two decades, I still can't stop wondering his ability to disappear for years and return on scenes as Phenix back again.

Newest Claudio release - double-CD album "ManifestAzioni live 2011​-​2023" contains previously unreleased live music from last twelve years, recorded by Claudio's different projects and collaborations.

Double set opens with very eloquent music - true rock song, recorded by legendary Rock Progressivo Italiano band Area descendants Area Open Project, with Claudio responsible for vocals. In early 70s Area was very popular band led by Greek-Egyptian vocalist Demetrio Stratos, renown by theatrical vocals and unusual voice improvisations. Claudio obviously pays respect to Stratos, one of his big influence. An excellent piece for fans of progressive rock with original Area's bassist Ares Tavolazzi on board.

Six set's tracks come from I Sincopatici - Milanese keys/bass/drums trio, accompanying to Claudio singing the songs based on Dante Alighieri poetry. Six more tracks are recorded with "border music" band Strepitz, with feel-able folklore influences and rock arrangements (Area's original guitarist Paolo Tofani's three-necks guitar soloing on "Aghe Aghe benedete" is impressive).

There are pieces on this set, coming from some Milano's own projects from previous decade (multimedia NichelOdeon and duo with sounds artist Marco Tuppo InSonar) as well.

Second set's disc opens with vocal-only composition, based on controversial Bulgarian author Nikolay Rainov (who studies Theology in Russia) work "Il Diavolo Creatore". "Pan's pot" is a duet with voice artist Arrington De Dionyso and "SenseNonSex" is a vocal duet with Giulia Zaniboni.

Being of very eclectic origin, album's material fits together quite well, especially on CD 1. With great recording quality as for collection of different periods archival recordings, and feel-able Italian progressive rock tradition, this release is probably a bit more framed than many of Claudio previous works. It with no doubt will enjoy those already familiar with Claudio Milano art, and probably will attract some new listeners as well.