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BEAUTY IS IN THE DISTANCE_Romantic Suite
BEAUTY IS IN THE DISTANCE
Romantic Suite
(2019 - Alma De Nieto - Italy)

Partly improvisations by Luciano Margorani (electric guitar, noises), Federico Zenoni (drums and objects), recorded together in Italy, then sent to Dave Newhouse (saxes, clarinets, and keyboards) in the USA for his input, this 2nd release by the trio is an expansion of the debut (under their full names, and then titled 'Beauty Is In The Distance' - 2016) which only had one long composition. This new one has three pieces that have an even more florid array of aromas, catching shadows from eastern influenced imagery of creeping dragons, blooming poppies, glass house spying, marching caravans, then splitting the middle of feathered arrows, between free jazz, avant rock, gladly welcomed new fusion, and the outer edges of structured experimental genius. It all makes good sense and great audition in the end.

Speaking with Dave Newhouse, he stated that he "tried to make it sound as if he was in the same room with Luciano and Federico some of the time." This is one more fine example of international internet collaboration between artists. No matter the distance or procedure, all three pieces feel and sound assembled with full dedication. The consequences are brilliant. To know the resume of the three musicians here is crucial to your expectations or understanding of the pedestal the project is automatically placed on. Each member has both multiple group experience and solo works published. No gibberish, no filler, just intelligent outline, extension, production, creative building of ideas, and contagious intricate completion to a multi-level many dimensional perfection. This is far from by accident.

Many moments are accelerated by one artist changing directions, the other two instantly dialing in, and a new environment given entrance. This thinking man's trio is ultimately fruitful in a avant-garden of evidence. Just when you grab a groove, the plot thickens, the smooth terrain beneath your feet disappears, and you must run to catch up to the next climax. This all instrumental improvisation unit hardly sounds spur of the moment (although much of the time, they have and can operate this way). Instead, the presence of over the top capable artists, paint masterful portraits that spark and sizzle, splash and temper, augment or venture out. A superb musical conversation from Beauty Is In The Distance, for your prospect. OUTSTANDING!  

  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 11 - 2020
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BIG BEAUTIFUL NOISE
 

A  magazine focused on inventive, progressive, and creative music in any genre that stands out from the rest
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ACQUA FRAGILE
Moving Fragments
(2023 - Maracash - Italy)


https://maracashrecords.bandcamp.com/album/moving-fragments


  A group who have the uncanny talent of keeping their classic  sound along with staying up tpo date. This amazing return is from 1970's Italian progressive rock outfit, with frontier man lead vocal Bernardo Lanzetti, who made this band and some PFM albums so specifically brilliant. At this decade, to expect more beauty would be a fantasy, yet it is set before your ears, even with the first notes, this masterpiece of Italian, (and not only Italian) progressive rock that certainly grasps the notion of what the genre of "progressive" was always meant to be. ACQUA FRAGILE create another sweetly classic knockout recording, not with even a heavy breath of past to present effort.  In fact, it sounds and feels more authentic than ever.  Bernardo sounds as if he never aged a week, and all muscians present are at full force, not passing up the chance to make another massively classic album.   An album to put Acqua Fragile at the top of the few chosen progressive rock choices of all time. The first song ('Her Shadlows Torture' 05:52 - editors note:  A misspell on the 'Shadows' which is on Bandcamp at this writing - but is correct as 'Her Shadow's Torture' on physical CD)  hug you and give all relief, as to any possible doubts of a long awaited fourth album by this top notch Italian band. I claim it will leave your heart lay bleeding. Grab the spectral energy and enjoy a glimpse of beautiful cocoon birth.

  Not one song is with sacrifice, even a wink of lamb. In fact, some elements are added to further enchance and stun the audience, such as inclusive female vocals by Rossella Volta. The bulk of the outfit is Piero Canavera (drums, percussion, vocals),  Franz Dondi (bass), Bernardo Lanzetti (lead vocals, guitar, Glovox),  Stefano Pantaleoni (keyboards),  Claudio Tuma (guitars), with special aid by (aforementioned vocalist Rosella Voita) ,  Gigi Cavalli Cocchi - drums (1,6),  Sergio Ponti - drums (4,9), Stef Burns- guitar (2),  Brian Belloni - guitar (4),  Davide Piombino - 7 string guitar (5),  and David Jackson - sax & flute (6). Could you ask for more?   After one listen you cannot want more. Thank Maracash label (Italy) for standing behind so many great Italian artists who have done the blood, sweat, and tears in earlier years, and deserve the attention now.
Although the band name translates to 'Fragile Water', it might be better described as Precious Water at this point and time in our decreasingly cared for world. Perhaps even better, Rare Water. The beauty of this entire recording is apparent, true, sincere, and a step forward. Better than one would dream of, past the point of how all old fans could imagine, and  actually done in the upper atmospheres of what anyone could have dreamed of. Everyone is top notch and most of all, Lanzetti is 100% present, making it another masterpiece.  It is my deep recommendartion for all fans of both classic progressive rock and the new fields of progressive music to give this a direct and full attention (no distractions) listen. RECOMMENDED.
  ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson 1 - 19 - 2024


 

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