Record Reviews

BANCO DEL MUTUO SOCCORSO ~ IO SONO NATO LIBERO (LEGACY EDITION) SONY 889854682224 (Barcode: 889854682224) ~ ITALY ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 - 2017 Released: 2017 This is a reissue of the third album by the iconic Italian Prog group Banco Del Mutuo SoccorsoFind albums by this artist, which closed the legendary early album trilogy the group recorded, which includes also the eponymous debut and the album "Darwin!Find albums with this title" and which defines the illustrious origins of the Italian Prog movement together with the early recordings by PFMFind albums by this artist and Le OrmeFind albums by this artist. At the time the album was recorded (1973) the group´s lineup included the founders / keyboardists brothers Vittorio NocenziFind albums by this artist and Gianni NocenziFind albums by this artist, guitarist Marcello TodaroFind albums by this artist, bassist Renato D`AngeloFind albums by this artist, drummer Pier Luigi CalderoniFind albums by this artist and charismatic vocalist Francesco Di GiacomoFind albums by this artist. The album presents only five tracks, including the epic over fifteen minutes long opening track, with all music by Vittorio Nocenzi except one track by Gianni Nocenzi and lyrics by Francesco Di Giacomo and Vittorio Nocenzi. This Legacy Edition is lavishly packaged in a digibook format and includes a booklet with in depth essay and the lyrics (sadly only) in Italian and splendid photographs, as well as a bonus CD, which is described below. Over the years countless reviews of the album were written and published, so there is no point in repeating the obvious praises. It is however important to remember that this music defined the Prog idiom, and took it to its zenith, which as I have repeatedly stated, stays firmly at its place and the Prog genre over the years didn´t manage to go above or beyond it, which perhaps is more of a blessing than a criticism. It is also important to remember that the individuals behind Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso were always socially / politically aware persons and their lyrics touched upon raw nerves more often than not. More on this subject below… The real surprise of this reissue is the included bonus CD, which presents a new and unreleased album recorded in 2017 by the current lineup of the band. Fronted by the original founding member, keyboardist / composer Vittorio Nocenzi, the band also includes lead guitarist Filippo MarcheggianiFind albums by this artist, guitarist Nicola Di GiàFind albums by this artist, bassist Marco CapoziFind albums by this artist, drummer Fabio MorescoFind albums by this artist and lead vocalist Tony D`AlessioFind albums by this artist. The album entitled "La Libertà DifficileFind albums with this title" (Difficult Freedom) presents five tracks, four of which were composed by Vittorio Nocenzi and one was co-composed by Vittorio Nocenzi and his son Michelangelo NocenziFind albums by this artist. It also includes a recorded interview with Vittorio Nocenzi. As the album´s title suggests the subject matter is a reflection upon the issues touched upon in "Io Sono Nato LiberoFind albums with this title" from a forty four years perspective and asks difficult questions like "Che Libertà?" (What Freedom?) and makes somber statements like "…Che Non Si Ferma Mai" (…That Never Sops), which of course reflect the contemporary social / political situation as seen by many people today. The music on the "La Libertà Difficile" album is a wonderful reflection of the classic sound and style of the Banco Del Mutuo Soccorso heyday period. The same approach to melody, harmony and instrumentation appears here, with only slightly updated sound and production techniques, but faithfully preserving the overall retro ambience. The philosophical concept subject matter also returns, adding an intellectual dimension to the entire project. It is a splendid forerunner to the wonderful "TransiberianaFind albums with this title" album recorded by the same lineup two years later. Overall this is a superb package, even for people who already have a copy of the "Io Sono Nato Libero" album, as the bonus "La Libertà Difficile" album and the packaging are absolutely worth having. Wholeheartedly recommended!

Updated: 18/05/2019Posted: 18/05/2019

CD 2 Digibook Recommend To A Friend