Banco del Mutuo Soccorso
...di terra

"...di terra" is an album by Banco del Mutuo Soccorso released in 1977. It is an entirely instrumental album, a perfect fusion of Progressive and Classical Music, characterized by dark and solemn atmospheres and rich in various musical influences. It is a very complex album, but not too difficult to listen to, and Banco, to play it at its best, decided to make use of the symphony orchestra of the Unione Musicisti di Roma, directed by the legendary group keyboardist Vittorio Nocenzi. Di Giacomo, although not delighting us with his voice, wrote a poem, the verses of which constitute the titles of the pieces. The poem is as follows:

Nel cielo e nelle altre cose mute
Terramadre,
non senza dolore
io vivo.
Nè più di un albero non meno di una stella
nei suoni e nei silenzi
di terra.

In the album, pieces of true classical music are noticeable ("Nel cielo e nelle altre cose mute", a well-played track with various classical strings, and "Nei suoni e nei silenzi"), which however are not remakes, but originate directly from Banco; pieces where the progressive is more prominent ("Nè più di un albero non meno di una stella", which begins with a somewhat baroque piano, continues with beautiful winds, and culminates in a solemn and epic rhythm, for a total of 8 thrilling minutes); tracks where the two genres blend perfectly (the long "Io vivo", which starts classically and ends with keyboards that create more progressive atmospheres). Moreover, many tracks feature jazz, reaching its peak in the splendid "Terramadre". This piece is a wonderful mix of dark swirling keyboards and a sax, played perfectly by guest Alan King, equally dark and mysterious, continuing even after the keyboards calm down, leaving the "calm after the storm". Another track worth noting is "Non senza dolore", a combination of psychedelic keyboards and sitar, which gives the piece a very suggestive Far East atmosphere.

In short, this album has more strengths than weaknesses: it is well played (by all), manages to blend different musical genres, and above all, creates pieces of classical music without becoming boring and, more importantly, without copying various Mozart, Bach, and Beethoven. Unfortunately, it lacks Di Giacomo’s voice which, however, might have clashed with the music offered here. Furthermore, there are no pieces that give me great emotions (perhaps only "Terramadre") and the whole album seems a bit dated today, although not boring. In conclusion, an album that worthily concludes Banco’s progressive period, paving the way for the still acceptable "Canto di Primavera" and the funky (funky?) and Latin American rhythms of "Capolinea".
Recommended for fans. Rating: 7.5/10 P.S. With this album, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso changed their name to Banco. Goodbye and see you next time!