AA.VV.
L'ottava vita - Tributo a Claudio Rocchi

Claudio Rocchi is one of the foundational Italian artists of the '70s psychedelic and progressive scene. He immediately stood out on the debut album of Stormy Six "Le idee di oggi per la musica di domani" (1969) playing the bass. A character of great charisma, singer-songwriter and musician as well as radio host - he embodied the libertarian and psychedelic spirit of that period in Italy. His early albums are all essential manifestos to understand the depth of this artist. The debut "Viaggio" (1970) is an excellent album, but it is with the following "Volo magico n. 1" (1971) that Rocchi releases his undisputed masterpiece. The album features a long psychedelic and hypnotic suite on the first side: the words are beautiful, guided by a libertarian and transcendent "vision" of reality. This is great music and an enduring example of the creative folk and psychedelic ferment of the '70s alongside the early Alan Sorrenti and Juri Camisasca. This suite likely influenced Alan Sorrenti for his masterpiece "Aria". "La realtà non esiste", on the second side, is another emblematic song of Rocchi's thought. The album also features Alberto Camerini on guitar. The subsequent "La norma del cielo – Volo magico n. 2" (1972) and "Essenza" (1973) confirm the great moment of inspiration for the artist. But it is with "Il miele dei pianeti, le isole, le api" (1974) that he releases another memorable album. His albums exude an otherworldly spatial atmosphere that remains unparalleled today. Rocchi continued his career with great commitment, always producing noteworthy works. Unfortunately, Claudio Rocchi died in 2013, leaving a significant void in Italian music. Fortunately, his spiritual legacy has not been lost, as demonstrated by the tribute just released by the commendable Area Pirata of Pisa.

The album is titled "L’ottava vita – tributo a Claudio Rocchi" and was conceived by Cristina Scanu, Pino Molinari, Lodovico Ellena, and Alfonso Totaro. The musicians involved pay homage to Rocchi by reinterpreting some of his most inspired compositions. Lodovico Ellena is the mastermind of the psychedelic Effervescent Elephants, a significant group within the '80s Italian neo-psychedelic scene and a great admirer of Rocchi. It’s no surprise that he managed to collaborate with the Milanese musician on the album "Claudio Rocchi & Effervescent Elephants" (2001). All the artists involved have tackled interpretations of songs from his repertoire. The first track is an unreleased piece by Rocchi called "La gloria di Krishna". Then there are the Effervescent Elephants interpreting "Esistono porte". On this occasion, the project also includes No Strange, another group that was part of the cream of the aforementioned neo-psychedelic scene with the metaphysical "Sotto i portici di marmo". The presence of the great Jenny Sorrenti is truly moving, here taking on "La tua prima luna", one of her most significant songs. The album is completed by "Lascia Gesù" by I bambini "Gialli" from the E. De Amicis Kindergarten (arrangement by Alberto Ezzu of No Strange), the inevitable "La realtà non esiste" by Carlot-ta, "Questo mattino" by Pino Molinari, and "Gli occhi nel cielo" by Electric Green.

With "L'ottava vita – tributo a Claudio Rocchi" a great service has been done to culture. This album has a particular symbolic value and contributes to keeping a mythical figure like Claudio Rocchi still alive.