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O.A.K.
Nine Witches Under a Walnut Tree
(2020 - Goodfellas - Italy)
[music released only on vinyl and download]

BUY :
www.oaksound.com

SAMPLE:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f6tjzlvBLs&t=24s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89SWcGy-ADQ&list=OLAK5uy_nJNhpokytwxXVO9eG8qlOXyIJdPu4HePc

Jerry Cutillo is the man behind this extremely talented and progressive group of musicians. I have done reviews of his music before and explained that O.A.K. stands for OSCILLAZIONI ALCHEMICO KREATIVE, but for those new to the group I will happily restate some facts. Jerry has a long history in the music world with a keen interest in classic progressive rock acts (you can obviously hear influences in his music from greats like Genesis, King Crimson, PFM, Formula 3, and many other of that ilk). After his early experiences he began a solo career as Moses, a one man dramatic music project that did extremely well in Europe. In 1993 he formed OAK which actually did Jethro Tull covers for many years. It was not until 2015 that the first official and all original music release for this band happened. A fine debut titled 'Viandanze', followed in 2018 with an even better sophomore release 'Giordano Bruno', with a number of superb and famous progressive rock guests (see my full review). This is when my attention was totally swayed to pay more attention to this multi-instrumentalist, composer, who was born and bred in Rome Italy. The 3rd album by OAK does not disappoint whatsoever. 'Nine Witches Under a Walnut Tree- (2020) is also lush with a very theatrical progressive rock/stage worthy (you can see a performance on You Tube I posted at top for example as I suspect Jerry had intentions of making this a full on theatrical production) recording made with 9 compositions creating just under 47 minutes of rich and captivating concept music based on a visionary tale of nine witches who soared the peaks and valleys of Monti del Taburno to gather at a magical walnut tree. They had their rituals there and in the end, one event occurred with a supernova that brought the witches into one bonding entity (where the 9 tunes also come into one climax and end). You can buy and read the notes for more details and enjoy this carefully laid concept as it should be enjoyed.

This project is predominately performed by Cutillo but a host of other artists certainly make the recording what it is - superb! The music includes romantic Italian (think the classic and top 70's Italian progressive acts), gorgeous grand piano, Hackett-like lead guitar, electric piano not far from what Roger Hodgson/Richard Davies (both of Supertramp) would sound like on this. It also brings in genres of folk rock , jazz fusion (more at Nova 'Vimana' period), and mellotron dreams at the right places (also what reinforces the romantic progressive rock classic sound, with Italian language vocals that are all as smooth as silk). The players are: Jerry Cutillo - all instruments & lead vocals, except: Jonathan Noyce / bass (1-3,5-9), David Jackson (VDGG)/ saxophone (7), Daniele Fuligni / grand piano (3), Tetyana Shyshnyak / soprano & backing vocals (2-9), Cristiana De Bonis / vocalisms & backing vocals (8-9), Gerlinde Roth / spoken word (9), - Marta Perozzi / backing vocals (1), and Eclisse di Luna / backing vocals (9). As the music continues to entice, entrance, and grab your ears, so does the musicianship. It sounds like a first rate world class ensemble, and with added electronic touches on the final track, the music starts off most definitely reminding me of what Bernardo Lanzetti might do during his short time with the Italian band Mangala Vallis. But as it moves forward, the folk aspect takes over and brings about a similar feel to some of Alan Simon's 'Excalibur' series. In short, totally  big and great! And what a celebration the end is, with all vocalists on board at once, and so are the many instruments, a song that simply glows with joy and full on ecstasy. RECOMMENDED.  

 ©Reviewed by Lee Henderson  2 - 18 - 2021
 

  
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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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