Jumbo
DNA

DNA is the second album by the Italian progressive group Jumbo. Formed in Milan in 1969 as supporters of the charismatic singer Alvaro Fella (whose nickname inspired the band's name), after releasing a self-titled album in '72, they reached their stylistic perfection with the aforementioned work, released the same year.

The album features mature and quite evolved music with beautiful acoustic moments alternating with electric and restless parts. The vocal portion also plays an important role in the musical ensemble, with the strong and emblematic lyrics expressed in Fella's hoarse and robust voice, which for better or worse represents a peculiarity of the group. In fact, the themes crudely addressed in Jumbo's songs led to their ban from the radio programs of the time.

The first side of the LP was entirely occupied by the "Suite per il Signor K", consisting of three sections: "Sta Accadendo Qualcosa Dentro Me / Ed Ora Corri / Dio è".
We can find excellent changes in atmosphere, with the flute first tracing notes on the acoustic guitar and then accentuating the riffs of the electric one. From the first listen, it is evident how Dario Guidotti in the more driven parts draws inspiration from maestro Ian Anderson. Nevertheless, the solo that stands out in the middle of the suite is very beautiful. Also worthy of mention are the riffs and arpeggios of Daniele Bianchini's guitar alternating with the drums and piano, highlighting the hard and more delicate moments.
The rhythmic section by Vito Balzano is also very well cared for, always in line with the musicians' requests.
The keyboards and bass are played by Sergio Conte and Aldo Gargano, careful not to weigh down the ensemble too much, yet still giving their contribution.
Overall, Fella's representative voice stands out, sometimes raspy, sometimes powerful, which can resemble Joe Cocker's, perfect for expressing the singer's ideas, and in the last part of the suite makes us participate in his viewpoint on God; certainly one of the highest moments of the first side.

The track "Miss Rand" follows, telling us about the death of a school teacher caused by the fire in her house. All of this is presented effectively and tragically comic, thanks to the carefree music that serves as the backdrop to the drama of the poor woman. Great track.
"E' brutto Sentirsi Vecchi" is a duet of acoustic guitar with keyboard and flute that explains the bad feeling one gets when it seems the time left is less than the time passed. Pleasurable, especially if taken lightly.
"Hai Visto..." begins with jazzy themes that shift to darker and harder tones when the singing starts. Another song with strong themes where all the imaginable catastrophes a person might suffer are collected, from volcanic eruptions to fires, from dogs mauling your children to the death of your mother, swept away by a flood's fury. Despite the lyrics that some might find hard to digest, the expressed music is high-level and well-played.

Thus the album closes.

You might say it's a load of crap. But it's not. If this review hasn't put you off giving it a listen, I recommend all progressive lovers to get it, because it's really worth it, and viewed from a perspective other than that of an aspiring suicide, it might even make you smile.

A unique band, especially in the Italian scene, but absolutely to be rediscovered.