Quella Vecchia Locanda
Il tempo della gioia

THE REVIEW

Two years after the release of their first album, "Quella Vecchia Locanda" returns to the recording studio to create "Il Tempo Della Gioia," the album that, with only two works to their credit, will mark the end of the group's career. The band's lineup has changed, with Donald Lax replaced by violinist Claudio Filice, and Massimo Giorgi taking the spot of bassist Romualdo Coletta.

The differences between this work and the previous one are striking; the use of synthesizers is almost entirely abandoned, the flute no longer plays the role it held in the first album and is limited to accompaniment parts, in favor of a heavy use of the violin; a more relaxed and calm atmosphere prevails. The album opens with "Villa Doria Pamphili", a beautiful song rich in classical atmospheres thanks to the continuous background of piano and violin. We continue in the same vein with "A Forma Di...", an instrumental piece featuring the crescendo of violin, flute, and keyboards, enhanced by some exquisitely crafted choirs. After this track, which could well have been stolen from any Renaissance composer (and this does not mean it lacks quality, on the contrary), it’s the turn of "Il Tempo Della Gioia", decidedly in different, very jazzy tones, with a vocal duet between Giorgi and someone else. The central part interrupts the theme, which will be resumed at the end, with digressions where everyone finds space to express themselves, even with choirs, as often happens on the album.

"Un Giorno, Un Amico" is opened by Claudio Filice, trying not to make us miss Donald Lax (and succeeding???). In the 9 minutes and 40 seconds of the track, there are numerous solo violin parts, accompanied by clarinet and piano. Only at the end does the group remember they have a singer and decide to give him space. Space that Giorgio Giorgi will occupy like never before. The album closes with "É Accaduto Una Notte". A "Gente Giant" style song without too many pretensions.

Overall, a good album played with slightly superior quality compared to its predecessor, and perhaps for this reason, it loses something in enthusiasm and intensity.