GLI OCCHI DI UN BAMBINO

Antonio Torquati was a blind-born Italian keyboardist with many collaborations throughout his career both in Jazz and Pop music, most notably with Bill Coleman, Billy Smith, Lucio Dalla, Gianni Morandi, Mina, and Gepy & Gepy.In 1972 he released a self-titled keyboard-based debut, followed a year after by ''Gli Occhi di un Bambino'' on RCA label.

With participations among others from bassist Mario Scotti from Quel Giorno di Uve Rosse, drummer Massimo Buzzi of Pierrot Lunaire fame and also Gepy & Gepy on vocals, Torquati had the opportunity to show his nice skills on composing and arranging.His style was quite diverse, mainly being in an orchestral mood with a fair dose of Classical influences but occasionally stepping into Soul, Fusion, Blues and Pop fields.The mix is pretty outstanding and the album is surprisingly coherent despite the exploration of unsimilar music paths.''Gli Occhi di un Bambino'' includes all of these elements to satisfy a demanding listener: impressive musicianship, catchy grooves, romantic instrumentals and changing climates.Without being complicated, the tracks are intricate and varied.From LE ORME smooth piano-led prog ballads to Orchestral Pop/Prog vocal-based numbers and from light guitar-driven Fusion to organ/moog-smashed parts, the album has this captivating vintage feeling and a good tightness to be greatly appreciated.

Torquati suddenly disappeared after this album, recording only a single in 1977 and composing the music for the ''Speed Cross'' film (1980).More recently, in 2007 he returned with a brand new solo album entitled '' Vita, amore e musica''.

Torquati's ''Gli Occhi di un Bambino'' is a release rather far from the Classic Italian Prog sound, but again it is an effort with a sound of its own.Artistic, attractive and at moments, this album is a great addition for fans of flexible Progressive/Art Rock.An easy purchase, as the album has been re-issued in CD format several times...3.5 stars.