Picchio dal Pozzo: Camere Zimmer Rooms

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

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Published: October 1, 2001

Motivated by the British Canterbury progressive rock scene, this Italian band had only released two albums during their reign in the 70’s as Camere Zimmer Rooms represents previously unheard studio material recorded between 1977-1980. Hence, during the early 70’s - 80’s, the European prog-rock movement was all about taking chances. In those days, musicians’ often incorporated elements of free-jazz, classical, folk, pop and other genres into their repertoires, as the Canterbury scene largely signified new terrain amid whimsical storybook-like themes and fierce improvisational tactics. Here, the sextet known as “Picchio dal Pozzo” surges forth via romantically melodic overtones, swiftly implemented time signatures and jazzy interplay in concert with the proverbial peaks, valleys, knotty twists and circuitous turns. With “The President,” the band intermingles airy dreamscapes with whispery vocal choruses atop solid backbeats and keyboardist Aldo De Scalzi’s ambient textures, although they do manage to stir the pot on more than one occasion.

No doubt, this was a tight outfit, yet the artists afforded themselves some wiggle room by delving into wily, multi-layered sax parts, multipart harmonies and De Scalzi’s endearing electric piano/mini-moog soloing. Otherwise the ensemble along with three guest musicians provide a series of heart-warming yet at times, feverishly executed passages throughout this altogether worthwhile blast from the recent past. Recommended.

Cuneiform Records

Track Listing: 1. The President 2. The Sea of Ireland 3. The Town 4. The Penguins 5. The Irish Ghost

Personnel: Andrea Beccari: bass, flute

Record Label: Cuneiform Records
Style: Fusion/Progressive Rock