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O cenário do rock progressivo italiano dos anos 70 não é apenas vasto, mas também de um brilho singular. Embora muitas bandas tenham tido a chance de mostrar seu talento em apenas um único disco — as chamadas “one shot bands” — muitas dessas conseguiram aproveitar ao máximo essa oportunidade, criando obras que permanecem atemporais. A Maxophone, com seu álbum homônimo, é um exemplo brilhante desse grupo seleto. Ou melhor, era, pois em 2017 a banda lançou mais um disco, La Fabbrica Delle Nuvole, mas que nem de longe lembra o seu trabalho brilhante de 1975.
Formada em 1972 por seis jovens músicos, Maxophone conseguiu mesclar uma variedade impressionante de estilos de uma forma profundamente única. Sua música é uma explosão de ideias bem executadas, ricas em complexidade e criatividade. Para a composição das letras, a banda contou com a ajuda de amigos, que traduziram em palavras as emoções e conceitos que eles transmitiam através das notas. O resultado é uma mistura cativante de rock sinfônico, música clássica, swing, jazz e música tradicional italiana, tudo isso orquestrado com um banquete instrumental que é um verdadeiro deleite para os fãs do gênero. Entre os instrumentos, destacam-se harpa, trompa, guitarras clássicas, saxofone, flauta, piano, teclados, órgãos, clarinete, trompete, vibrafone, quarteto de cordas, guitarra elétrica, baixo, bateria e percussão.
O álbum começa com "C'È Un Paese Al Mondo", uma faixa que se inicia com suaves e agradáveis linhas de piano, mas que logo se transformam em um ritmo bem cadenciado, sustentado por baixo, bateria e guitarra. A serenidade volta a dominar, preparando o ouvinte para a entrada dos vocais de Alberto Ravasini. As letras evocativas pintam o retrato de um país idealizado, um paraíso de perfeição. O clarinete ganha destaque, seguido pelo trompete, então uma bela guitarra surge antes do retorno dos vocais. Já nessa primeira faixa, a banda revela a complexidade que permeia todo o álbum.
"Fase" é uma peça instrumental onde os membros da banda aproveitam para exibir seus talentos e musicalidade, fundindo de maneira magistral influências do jazz, rock e música clássica. A introdução é mais pesada que a da faixa anterior, com um saxofone vigoroso que se mistura a uma atmosfera sinfônica e progressiva. O vibrafone então emerge de forma delicada e precisa antes que o potente riff de guitarra retorne. Cada instrumento, da trompa à flauta, encontra seu espaço, tudo encaixado com uma precisão impressionantes. "Al Mancato Compleanno Di Una Farfalla" começa com uma introdução lindíssima de guitarra clássica que evoca uma atmosfera romântica. Logo a flauta se junta e os vocais entram de maneira suave. Na segunda parte, a música ganha força com um teclado sinfônico de grande personalidade e que transforma a sonoridade, enquanto os demais instrumentos crescem em intensidade.
"Elzeviro" abre com um órgão e vocais que capturam o desespero de um ataque na rua, uma referência direta aos confrontos políticos que marcaram a Itália dos anos 70. A musicalidade se intensifica, com riffs de guitarra que evocam grandes nomes do rock progressivo. O órgão, por sua vez, se destaca dando corpo à faixa quase inteira. No meio da música o som se torna mais pesado, com um solo excelente de guitarra até suavizar-se novamente com a entrada dos vocais, antes de se elevar mais uma vez, agora com a execução de uma flauta belissimamente.
"Mercanti Di Pazzie" é uma verdadeira joia. A introdução com harpa é retirada da obra "Sonata per arpa", gravada originalmente por Paul Hindemith em 1939. A música evoca uma atmosfera onírica, de paz e serenidade. As letras, embora um tanto enigmáticas, complementam a beleza musical de forma sublime. O álbum se encerra com "Antiche Conclusioni Negre", a faixa mais longa do disco. Ela começa de maneira enérgica, com uma sonoridade alegre que rapidamente se alterna entre momentos serenos e passagens mais pesadas, destacando principalmente o uso dos teclados e do baixo. O solo de saxofone merece um destaque especial, assim como a letra, que presta um tributo à música negra.
Maxophone criou, com este álbum, uma verdadeira obra de arte, e, independentemente do lançamento de 2017, continua a ser considerada uma "one shot band". A música presente neste disco é estruturada de forma poderosa, com uma musicalidade que se equilibra perfeitamente entre os múltiplos instrumentos, onde nenhum se sobressai de forma excessiva. O álbum possui duas versões, sendo uma delas em inglês, mas se você quiser realmente sentir a essência da música, recomendo ouvir a versão italiana.
================================The Italian progressive rock scene of the 70s is not only vast but also uniquely brilliant. While many bands only had the chance to showcase their talent in a single album—the so-called "one-shot bands"—many of these managed to make the most of this opportunity, creating works that remain timeless. Maxophone, with their self-titled album, is a shining example of this select group. Or rather, it was, since the band released another album in 2017, La Fabbrica Delle Nuvole, which falls far short of their brilliant 1975 work.
Formed in 1972 by six young musicians, Maxophone managed to blend an impressive variety of styles in a profoundly unique way. Their music is an explosion of well-executed ideas, rich in complexity and creativity. For the composition of the lyrics, the band enlisted the help of friends who translated the emotions and concepts they conveyed through notes into words. The result is a captivating mix of symphonic rock, classical music, swing, jazz, and traditional Italian music, all orchestrated with an instrumental feast that is a true delight for fans of the genre. Among the instruments, the harp, French horn, classical guitars, saxophone, flute, piano, keyboards, organs, clarinet, trumpet, vibraphone, string quartet, electric guitar, bass, drums, and percussion stand out.
The album begins with "C'È Un Paese Al Mondo," a track that starts with soft and pleasant piano lines but soon transforms into a well-paced rhythm, supported by bass, drums, and guitar. Serenity returns, preparing the listener for the entrance of Alberto Ravasini's vocals. The evocative lyrics paint a picture of an idealized country, a paradise of perfection. The clarinet takes the spotlight, followed by the trumpet, then a beautiful guitar emerges before the vocals return. Already in this first track, the band reveals the complexity that permeates the entire album.
"Fase" is an instrumental piece where the band members take the opportunity to showcase their talents and musicianship, masterfully blending influences from jazz, rock, and classical music. The introduction is heavier than the previous track, with a vigorous saxophone mixed with a symphonic and progressive atmosphere. The vibraphone then emerges delicately and precisely before the powerful guitar riff returns. Each instrument, from the French horn to the flute, finds its space, all fitting together with impressive precision. "Al Mancato Compleanno Di Una Farfalla" begins with a beautiful classical guitar introduction that evokes a romantic atmosphere. Soon the flute joins in, and the vocals enter softly. In the second part, the music gains strength with a symphonic keyboard of great character, transforming the sound as the other instruments increase in intensity.
"Elzeviro" opens with an organ and vocals that capture the despair of an attack on the street, a direct reference to the political clashes that marked Italy in the 70s. The musicality intensifies, with guitar riffs that evoke the great names of progressive rock. The organ, in turn, stands out, giving body to almost the entire track. In the middle of the song, the sound becomes heavier, with an excellent guitar solo, then softens again with the entry of the vocals, before rising once more, now with a beautifully executed flute.
"Mercanti Di Pazzie" is a true gem. The harp introduction is taken from Paul Hindemith's work "Sonata per arpa," originally recorded in 1939. The music evokes a dreamlike atmosphere of peace and serenity. The lyrics, though somewhat enigmatic, complement the musical beauty in a sublime way. The album closes with "Antiche Conclusioni Negre," the longest track on the record. It begins energetically, with a joyful sound that quickly alternates between serene moments and heavier passages, particularly highlighting the use of keyboards and bass. The saxophone solo deserves special mention, as does the lyric, which pays tribute to black music.
With this album, Maxophone created a true work of art, and regardless of the 2017 release, they continue to be considered a "one-shot band." The music on this album is powerfully structured, with a musicality that balances perfectly between the multiple instruments, where none of them excessively overshadow the others. The album has two versions, one in English, but if you want to truly feel the essence of the music, I recommend listening to the Italian version.
NOTA: 9/10
Tracks Listings
1. C'è Un Paese Al Mondo (6:39)
2. Fase (7:04)
3. Al Mancato Compleanno Di Una Farfalla (5:52)
4. Elzeviro (6:47)
5. Mercanti Di Pazzie (5:21)
6. Antiche Conclusioni Negre (8:54)
Ouça, "Elzeviro"
The Italian progressive rock scene of the 70s is not only vast but also uniquely brilliant. While many bands only had the chance to showcase their talent in a single album—the so-called "one-shot bands"—many of these managed to make the most of this opportunity, creating works that remain timeless. Maxophone, with their self-titled album, is a shining example of this select group. Or rather, it was, since the band released another album in 2017, La Fabbrica Delle Nuvole, which falls far short of their brilliant 1975 work.
Formed in 1972 by six young musicians, Maxophone managed to blend an impressive variety of styles in a profoundly unique way. Their music is an explosion of well-executed ideas, rich in complexity and creativity. For the composition of the lyrics, the band enlisted the help of friends who translated the emotions and concepts they conveyed through notes into words. The result is a captivating mix of symphonic rock, classical music, swing, jazz, and traditional Italian music, all orchestrated with an instrumental feast that is a true delight for fans of the genre. Among the instruments, the harp, French horn, classical guitars, saxophone, flute, piano, keyboards, organs, clarinet, trumpet, vibraphone, string quartet, electric guitar, bass, drums, and percussion stand out.
The album begins with "C'È Un Paese Al Mondo," a track that starts with soft and pleasant piano lines but soon transforms into a well-paced rhythm, supported by bass, drums, and guitar. Serenity returns, preparing the listener for the entrance of Alberto Ravasini's vocals. The evocative lyrics paint a picture of an idealized country, a paradise of perfection. The clarinet takes the spotlight, followed by the trumpet, then a beautiful guitar emerges before the vocals return. Already in this first track, the band reveals the complexity that permeates the entire album.
"Fase" is an instrumental piece where the band members take the opportunity to showcase their talents and musicianship, masterfully blending influences from jazz, rock, and classical music. The introduction is heavier than the previous track, with a vigorous saxophone mixed with a symphonic and progressive atmosphere. The vibraphone then emerges delicately and precisely before the powerful guitar riff returns. Each instrument, from the French horn to the flute, finds its space, all fitting together with impressive precision. "Al Mancato Compleanno Di Una Farfalla" begins with a beautiful classical guitar introduction that evokes a romantic atmosphere. Soon the flute joins in, and the vocals enter softly. In the second part, the music gains strength with a symphonic keyboard of great character, transforming the sound as the other instruments increase in intensity.
"Elzeviro" opens with an organ and vocals that capture the despair of an attack on the street, a direct reference to the political clashes that marked Italy in the 70s. The musicality intensifies, with guitar riffs that evoke the great names of progressive rock. The organ, in turn, stands out, giving body to almost the entire track. In the middle of the song, the sound becomes heavier, with an excellent guitar solo, then softens again with the entry of the vocals, before rising once more, now with a beautifully executed flute.
"Mercanti Di Pazzie" is a true gem. The harp introduction is taken from Paul Hindemith's work "Sonata per arpa," originally recorded in 1939. The music evokes a dreamlike atmosphere of peace and serenity. The lyrics, though somewhat enigmatic, complement the musical beauty in a sublime way. The album closes with "Antiche Conclusioni Negre," the longest track on the record. It begins energetically, with a joyful sound that quickly alternates between serene moments and heavier passages, particularly highlighting the use of keyboards and bass. The saxophone solo deserves special mention, as does the lyric, which pays tribute to black music.
With this album, Maxophone created a true work of art, and regardless of the 2017 release, they continue to be considered a "one-shot band." The music on this album is powerfully structured, with a musicality that balances perfectly between the multiple instruments, where none of them excessively overshadow the others. The album has two versions, one in English, but if you want to truly feel the essence of the music, I recommend listening to the Italian version.
NOTA: 9/10
Tracks Listings
1. C'è Un Paese Al Mondo (6:39)
2. Fase (7:04)
3. Al Mancato Compleanno Di Una Farfalla (5:52)
4. Elzeviro (6:47)
5. Mercanti Di Pazzie (5:21)
6. Antiche Conclusioni Negre (8:54)
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