Arti e Mestieri
Giro di valzer per domani

THE REVIEW

Also cited as an inspiration by current bands like Red Hot Chili Peppers, this little-known Turin band, yet another offshoot of the fertile Parco Lambro '74, was the author of an avant-garde stylistic blend that, thanks to the peculiar lyrics as well as the technical prowess of the musicians, elevates them to a true cult of '70s prog and, as with other Cramps productions, much sought after abroad (sigh!).

In this second record effort dated 1975, Gigi Venegoni (guitars), Furio Chirico (drums), Beppe Crovella (keyboards), Marco Gallesi (bass) delve into that melting pot of styles that, after the big bang of "Bitches Brew" operated by Miles Davis, was painstakingly preparing the migration towards the future fusion of the '80s, and they perfect a convincing example of metropolitan jazz rock, where standout individuals such as the talented guitarist Gigi Venegoni and the "furious" Furio De Chirico, a real "Tasmanian devil" of drums, rise, without forgetting the late Gianfranco Gaza, author of texts of excellent caliber.

The group, while being politically committed, distances itself from the tradition of the political song intended as pure support music to the text and proposes an intention of "alternative musical progressivism" to the usual formula of the protest song.

The main theme, a waltz inspired by Coltrane, immediately denotes the expressive and orchestral horizons of the group and alongside typical instrumental pieces like the title track and the subsequent "Mirafiori", true songs like the wonderful "Saper sentire" and "Aria pesante" appear in which the troubled and ironic themes of the lyrics happily marry sophisticated and refined soundscapes that allow free rein to the inventiveness and virtuosity of A&M... I don't know how many drummers could keep up the frenetic pace of "Sagra"!

The record flows across territories of enjoyable jazz rock, yet always original and filled with ideas, since alongside the obvious Anglo-Saxon influences, tributes to the most local tradition, even ethnic ones, are palpable thanks to the violin of Giovanni Vigliar, always rigorously filtered by an electric and modern language, where the brilliant guitar of Gigi Venegoni and the elegant sounds of Beppe Crovella's keyboards stand out, always at ease between electric piano and Hammond organ.

This "Giro di valzer per domani" is truly a great album to rediscover, perhaps a bit difficult to find, but rich in surprises, full of content, and perhaps with questions about the relative national notoriety of the group compared to the consideration they enjoy across the Channel:
"Furio's way of playing is extraordinary" (Bill Bruford)
"Crovella's work is a fresh contribution to the new generation of Hammondists" (Brian Auger)

Happy hunting.