ALESSANDRA

And so, here we are with probably the least interesting (in fact it is the least rock) album released by Pooh in the seventies. The bassist was then Riccardo Fogli who was replaced (after its release) by Red Canzian from RPI band CAPSICUM RED. Riccardo Fogli made a moderately successfull solo career in pop music and even made a very rare prog album in 1979... titled MATTEO.

As I said to you in the past reviews, this is not bad music. It is just melodic italian pop. Maybe too soft and romantic. Not bad, though.

ALESSANDRA was dedicated to Roby Facchinetti's daughter; it was exactly what the record company wanted from them: music for female target, lyrics on romantic feelings and teenage loves.

It was not a case the album sold very well, even better than the previous OPERA PRIMA. At the cost to deprive music of almost any individuality, though. No soli, nor virtuosism, at all. Full and accurate symphonic orchestral arrengements are the key... even drums are slightly subdued.

So, you may ask, is in there any good thing? Well, there is always something good if you search for it.

This is the first time Pooh used moog synthesizer. You can hear it in two tracks: NOI DUE NEL MONDO E NELL'ANIMA ("Both we in the world and in the soul") and in MIO PADRE, UNA SERA ("My father, an evening").

The former is an all time classic (you can't help but love it): wonderful lyrics on how infinite and undeciphrable is pure love for a fantastic melancholic music... moog is sparse, shy and a bit clumsy, but it makes a very good effect combined with symphonic orchestra.

The same goes for the above mentioned letter track, but less good and memorable.

On about the closer: this time I can't be so happy... it was then (1972) the longest number of the band (6:51 mns), but no prog at all. It's a delicate pop sad ballad... good melody, rich and somptuous symphonic arrengements (even bells) but not as memorable as other closers the band accustomed us to.

1,5 stars rounded up thanks to NOI DUE NEL MONDO E NELL'ANIMA (this song really deserves to be listened to and appreciated).