Capitolo 6
Frutti Per Kagua

Well done, BMG Ricordi, with another gem, they reach the top of the list of the most vibrant Italian progressive labels. An excellent work from 1972 and this time it's the turn of "Capitolo 6".

Not everyone knows that this group, having released only one album in their career, opened for the "Led Zeppelin" in Italy in 1971. Indeed, the Roman band, riding the wave of their fortunate success, got to work creating this little gem that sounds partly more rock than prog.

"Riccardo Bartolotti" on vocals, guitar, and flute, "Antonio Favilla" on keyboards, "Maurizio Romani" on bass, "Lorenzo Donati" on drums, and the dish is served! First of all, I must tell you that it's a concept album and it pleasantly unfolds to the ear in a very classical form.

The tracks are four: "Frutti per Kagua", "Grande Spirito", "Il Tramonto dell'uomo" and "L'Ultima notte". It's easy to deduce that it's telling an Indo-American story. Despite the sound being very British (thus in King Crimson and Genesis style), the symphonic imprint is very pronounced, but the resemblance of the beautiful guitar and keyboard transitions to bands from across the channel is incredible. The voice is exceptional and highly expressive, and the silences between the different sections are suggestive.

All in all, it runs for 40 minutes, which is not short for a concept album of that era. I would recommend it to those who love above all the Italian rock of the past, but also to those who enjoy listening to prog from the classic old English guard. It's an intense work, well played but also dramatic (listen and reflect on the emotions that emanate from the 22 minutes of the title track).

Personally, the standards of the past have higher values compared to our sad reality (musically speaking!).

Recommended!