CORTE DEI MIRACOLI

CORTE DEI MIRACOLI was one of countless 70s Italian prog bands that released a single album before its demise even though more material was recorded. This band formed in Savona in 1973 and stuck it out until the waning prog year of 1976 when it released its only self-titled album although an archival release of recordings from 1973-74 would be released in 1992 as "Dimensione Onrica." The band's name which means "Court Of Miracles" refers to an area of a city where beggars and social outcasts would traditionally gather in organized groups most notably in the 17th century.

The band was connected with another Savona band Il Giro Strano which keyboardist Alessio Feltri played in simultaneously. That band existed from 1971-79 and never released albums during its run but also would find archival interest in the 90s. CORTE DEI MIRACOLI was distinct in that it featured two keyboard players (Alessio Feltri, Riccardo Zegna) and no guitarist. The band also featured Graziano Zippo on vocals, bassist Gabiele Siri and drummer Flavio Scogna. The band played the live circuit for its entire existence and it was only just before the recording of this album that original keyboardist Michele Carlone was replaced by jazz pianist Riccardo Zegna.

A typical symphonic prog band in many ways CORTE DEI MIRACOLI featured the same style of romantic vocals, adventurous instrumental excursions that alternated from dreamy folk oriented passages to more bombastic hard rock. The double use of keyboards is taken to its extreme as the album opens with the beginning flurry of sound with "E Varrà L'Uomo" but the album features a lot of intricately designed softer motifs as well, equally at home with lush classically inspired piano runs. The band like so many in the Italian prog scene were all seasoned veterans in their retrospective field and although similar to other Italian prog bands such as Banco, PFM and Le Orme still delivered a rather distinct sound.

Although the band was not successful in the least as it dropped its sole album on the market the very same year it disbanded, this one has become a second tier favorite amongst many intrepid explorers of 70s Italian prog and for good reason. The album provides all the instant connections of a great Italian prog album with exquisite melodic developments that are fortified with all the excessive instrumentation and creative heft that a prog lover could hope for. Perhaps the vocalist could have been a bit more robust in his performances or better yet incorporate a more unique stylistic approach to his singing style but still manages to get the job done adequately enough. The album also offers some interesting percussive deviations form the norm. The guitar is not really missed at all as the two keyboardists fill the space commendably.

While i do not believe this is a concept album, the science fiction themed cover art is one of my favorites from the Italian 70s scene. Overall this is an excellent album. Not quite up to the level of the greatest Italy had to offer during this era but certainly a very competent band that delivered its own version of the style that made Italy a center of masterful progressive rock. This one is definitely recommended to those who love a double doses of symphonic splendor as the two keyboardists are on the top of their game and offer some excellent dueling moves when they get down and dirty. A rather unique experience in the greater Italian prog scene even if it doesn't reach masterpiece status. The band's earlier recordings though with the first lineup would have to be shelved for many years before seeing the light of day but as the prog revival of the 90s take hold, even the more obscure bands like CORTE DEI MAIRACOLI finally appealed to a greater audience.