A bubblemachine of great music
Robert Cossaboon | The happy land of Walworth, NY | 11/24/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Those of you who bought TILT and thought jazz fushion couldn't get any better, hold on to your seats because you haven't heard Giro di valzer per domani, Arti+Mestieri's follow-up to TILT. The mood of the album is set perfectly with the title track on the first cut-upbeat, upbeat, and very tough and tight. As on TILT, Furio Chirico is all over this album; he begins on the quick speed and never drops below fast. It's a true marvel to hear this kind of energy sustained over an entire album. Each musician has their chance to sparkle here. The guitar-violin interplay is breathtaking. The sax solos are just as dizzying as on TILT, especially with Aria Pesante. This album has more of a seventies feel. Dada has been cashed in for more of a disco-funk, but this in no way has resulted in the band losing its heart. Rather, this music should strengthen the heart of anybody open-minded enough the give it a listen."
Worth a try if you really like good music
Robert Cossaboon | 07/04/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was really surprised to find that no one had reviewed this brilliantly conceived, aesthetically gratifying album. Having been a follower of progressive music for over ten years, I have become acquainted with many of the fine Italian progressive bands as a matter of course. And of these bands, Arti E Mestieri is perhaps the best. From a compositional standpoint, this particular album is top drawer, and the band members are remarkably proficient at their respective instruments. This album is definitely in keeping with some of the progessive trends of the day, but it holds up well over time; the listener isn't put off by a no-longer-in-vogue progressive compositional emphasis. It is certainly reminiscent of some of the fusion releases of the mid 1970's; the percussion work, for example, at times reminds me of Narada Michael Walden's work with the Mahavishnu Orchestra. But this album is unique. The songs are structurally and compositionally complicated, to be sure. For example, the meldoies are not the sort you will be whistling along with from memory after a few listens. And some of the chord progessions and changes are rather sophisticated. However, although a high understanding of music might be necessary to fully appreciate this masterpiece, immense enjoyment can be derived from it all the same by an open minded lover of music who is willing to be patient and wear his thinking cap. I highly recommend this album to people who don't relegate their enjoyment of music to dancing.One final note: The singing is entirely in Italian, but this doesn't faze me at all, even though I don't understand Italian. I simply treat the vocals as another instrument. Also, if you like this album, you'll like "Tilt" too; it's just as good."
Track Listings (17) - Disc #1