Premiata Forneria Marconi
Live in Japan 2002

THE REVIEW

The Premiata Forneria Marconi never ceases to amaze. The members have all surpassed the age of fifty and are nearing sixty, yet they cheerfully disregard this and continue to produce albums that seem to be created by youthful novices, given the energy and strength they put into them. Their class, then, never fades; if you have it, you keep it. This is evident in new tracks like “Sea Of Memory” or the more rock-infused rendition of “Bandiera bianca” by Battiato.

The concert was recorded at one of the “Blue Note Cafés” around the world, specifically the one in Tokyo, Japan, where they have an impressive number of fans. It is a long walk through the entire “PFM world”, with all their classics, from “La carrozza di Hans” to “Impressioni di settembre”, from “Dolcissima Maria” to “Maestro della voce”, interspersed with instrumentals where their musical virtuosity is clearly felt. There are few reprises from their recent past, with something from the album “Serendipity” (“La rivoluzione”).

Perhaps it's true that some tracks might be considered for enthusiasts, since over time, pieces like “Promenade the Puzzle” or the electric guitar and violin jams may become a bit tedious, but it bears repeating that the infinite class of these musicians cannot be disputed in any way.