Banco - Io Sono Nato Libero
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Free Music Notes for Io Sono Nato Libero
Free Music Review: Sheer excellence.
Hit: 5 Stars
This superb, high quality recording (remastered in 2002) opens with the 15'43 Canto nomade per un Prigioniero Politico which is ushered in by soft synthesizer lines and Francesco di Giacomos remarkable vocals (in Italian). The piece swiftly kicks into gear however and the quiet introduction gives way to breathtakingly intricate ensemble work, metric complexity, and soaring synthesizer leads (there are two keyboard players). Banco has an experimental/avante-garde side, which becomes apparent about halfway through Canto nomade per un Prigioniero Politico. Before panic sets in, I would like to point out that the Banco take on the avante garde never strays outside the boundaries of rock and is actually quite pleasant. Finally, there are some very nice classical guitar parts (played by Rodolfo Maltese I think), which are alternated with a more experimental percussion based section. All in all, it is a very busy 15'43. The second track on the CD, Non mi Rompete, is a pastoral, acoustic piece that features a tasteful moog solo. This quieter song provides a stunning contrast with the opening extravaganza. La Citta Sottile is ushered in with some excellent acoustic piano playing and then launches into a characteristically proggish romp with great string synthesizer parts. The 9'54 Dopo...Niente e piu lo Stresso is somewhat similar to the first track, while the closing piece Traccia II is a really neat, albeit short showcase for the Nocenzi's and their arsenal of synthesizers. This recording is quite possibly one of the finest to come out of the Italian scene and should be considered a must have for fans of progressive rock. Highly recommended in addition to their excellent, eponymous debut (1972), Darwin! (1972), and Banco (1975).Free Music Review: If one would want
Hit: 5 Stars
to compare Banco to Gentle Giant, this album could be as close a comparison as possible. Not that they imitate Gentle Giant in any way, not at all. First, GG is unsurpassed in their musical intellect (only Yezda Urfa could imitate GG so well that it sounds like "previously unreleased" tracks of GG, but after a few listens you could see the fake). Secondly, Banco is quite unique and their music almost always is very melodic, while GG quite often use the most dissonant tunes (and they do that so unbelievably great). So it can hardly be called influence, rather Gentle Giant daring ways inspired BMS to be as daring. Canto Nomade is the most outstanding piece, its multiple parts flow brilliantly into one another, the drums solo seems out of place at first, but it's not, it's more like a bridge to the final (and excellent) part, just try to get used to it. Non Mi Rompete is beautiful and well played but quite trivial compositionally. La Citta'sottile, is very good, a very rhythmical beginning with great instrumentals followed by a rhythmical 'breakdown' (very Gentle-Giantesque) and a psychedelic intermission with a recitative and then comes back to the initial tune again, excellent. The next track, Dopo Niente E'piu'lo S, is excellent too, more complex compositionally than the previous one, the beginning reminds of GG but very briefly so. It turns into Traccia II, its orchestra-like sound appears a bit grandiloquent but they played it very well.
This album is in very close competition with their previous one, Darwin, a masterpiece beyond any praise.
Free Music Review: simply overwhelming!
Hit: 5 Stars
this is my first exposure to italian symphonic prog and i am staggered! this is simply one of the finest pieces of music of any genre that i have ever heard! every musician seems a virtuoso, francesco di giacomo voice is one of the most beautiful instruments of any piece of music i have in my collection. to call this a great rock and roll record is far too restrictive, gathering together elements of traditional and folk, european classical, fusion jazz, straight progressive, and a taste of avant garde and blending them into a rich tapestry that is very emotionally dynamic (these are italians, after all) and is melancholic and sentimental to breathtakingly redemptive. gorgeous harmonies and melodies abound; the instrumental seperation and combination runs the full spectrum of possibilties with several types of keys and synths (two keyboard players), acoustic and electric guitars, bass and drum with each musician enhancing and hilighting not only the range and dynamic of the music, but integrating the highly individual performances to such a degree that the sum is much greater than the parts. the compositions are perfectly balanced and the changes seem perfectly natural but are highly complex; building to great crescendos that are soaringly beautiful. least my description succumb to blithering fandom at this point, let me just add that this is one of the most perfect example of modern popular music that I have ever heard! the rating is off the scale!Free Music Review: best album from Italy's best band!
Hit: 5 Stars
prog rock, in general, is quite a dramatic form of music. the genre tends to embrace a theaterical approach to the ragged canvas of rock music and requires a virtuosic level of playing ability from it's band members. throught it's conception, there have been some heralded names in the prog rock circuit whose greatness cannot be denied....some obvious examples are King Crimson, Yes, ELP. but my favorite prog bands are those from Italy. there'sd just something about the Italian's brand of prog rock that appeals to me in a great way. i think it has something to do with the language. the Italiano accent just sounds like a perfect match with the melodramatic feeling of the songs and the twisted , complex melodies that stream forth. the Italians also seem to have a special place for discordanance within their songs; and (when done right) it's impact can be overwhelming.
Banco's 2nd album begins with a beautiful melody that instantly captures one's listening attention with it's glorious tone and mysterious depth. as the album progresses, it becomes clear that this band is at the peak of it's powers. the songs shift through various cycles and stages; incorporating delicate acoustic passages, spacey keyboard parts, and full-throttle rock and roll guitar. but as untamed and wild as it gets, it's all held together by a gripping sense of melancholy and drama that never fails to excite.
Free Music Review: Time to eat crow.
Hit: 5 Stars
Months ago, I had purchased Io Sono Nato Libero and really struggled with it. In fact I found the vocalist so difficult to warm up to I ended up dismissing the disc prematurely, thus the less than positive review presented below. Well, I am writing to retract that review and offer an alternative viewpoint. Somehow I stumbled upon Banco's Come In Ultima Cena and for whatever reason found it much more enjoyable. The compositions and arrangements were more accessable, though equally intricate and complex, and I soon found myself experiencing the vocals as being quite beautiful. Having nearly obsessively listened to Come In Ultima Cena I returned to Io Sono Nato Libero and experienced it quite differently than I did initially. It is a brilliant recording. Musicianship, composition, arrangementts and creativity are all quite exceptional, and yes, the vocals are brilliant. Being no fan of opera I think I was initially put off by Francesco Giacomo's operatic sensibilities. At this point, I must admit I find him to be one of the finest vocalists in progressive rock and this disc to be among the elite. I still prefer Come In Ultima Cena but am also quite enamored with Io Sono Nato Libero. So, I find myself eating crow to the brilliant work of this wonderful Italian outfit. This disc is-now-highly recommended...Simon