Search - Banco :: Io Sono Nato Libero

Sheer excellence.

Jeffrey J.Park | Massachusetts, USA | 02/10/2004

(5 out of 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)."

Simply overwhelming!

Warren W. Nelson | Mooresville, NC USA | 09/25/2005

(5 out of 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!"

Best album from Italy's best band!

J. Holmes | yokohama, japan | 07/31/2006

(5 out of 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."