FEDE, SPERANZA, CARITÀ

Another 70's Italian group with a short career, good enough to earn credits among the famous Prog acts from the country.J.E.T. were found in Genova in early-70's by guitarist/singer Carlo Marrale, keyboardist Piero Cassano, bassist/singer Aldo Stellita and drummer Renzo "Pucci" Cochis.The three first singles of the group show a band performing a melodic Pop Rock style with a nice sound, albeit far from progressive, however their sole 1972 full-length album ''Fede, Speranza, Carita'' shows a real turn in terms of style.This work was released on the Durium label.

The first side of the original LP contains two long tracks, over 10 minutes each, which are good examples of the new style J.E.T. had chosen.Featuring a powerful Hard Progressive Rock with obvious Classical and less evident Jazz influences, the group shows some incredible energy with passionate vocals and rich musicianship, characterized by strong grooves ala BIGLIETO PER L'INFERNO and dynamic breaks and complex chord progressions in the style of MUSEO ROSENBACH.The music is driven by the haunting organ of Cassano, tha hard riffs of Marrale and the solid rhythm section always with evident symphonic textures and a few synths added for good measure.Only negative point are some dull multi-vocal choirs.The second side is not that complex, still quite entertaining.''Sinfonia per un Re'' is actually the closest track to the previous style, powerful Hard Prog with tremendous organ moves, light piano, sensitive vocals and strings, somewhere across the lines of NEW TROLLS and MUSEO ROSENBACH.''C'e' chi non ha'' is a mysterious Psych Rock ballad with excellent vocals and a very dark mood overall, while ''Sfogo'' lies somewhere between Rock, Fusion and Jazz with good piano paces, nice organ breaks and bluesy guitars to go along with theatrical vocals, definitely a piece out of the group's main style.

After some more singles the group was joined by female singer Antonella Ruggiero and new drummer Giancarlo Golzi from Museo Rosenbach, changed the name to Matia Bazar and had a long and prolific career in the field of Pop Rock music.

While not an absolute classic of the 70's Italian Prog scene, ''Fede, Speranza, Carita'' contains all the basic components of this particular European scene to be appreciated.Long, elaborate tracks, symphonic tendencies, complex parts and a rockin' attitude.Warmly recommended.