From: "Jeff Marx"
<>
Well, the Italian prog scene has proven to be a gold mine for those who love
keyboard-driven prog of the ELP/Triumvirat variety. What with Le Orme, PFM, RDM, Romantic
Warriors, Empire, Metamorfosi, I could go on and on. I'd like to introduce you (unless you
know him already) to keyboardist Walter Pini and Nuova Era.
Nuova Era has been around since the eighties, and from what I gather, had been a
guitar/keys/bass/drums/vocals outfit with several releases under their belts. The 1995
release of "Il Passo Del Soldato," was their first without a guitarist, allowing
Walter Pini to stretch out and take full control of the melodic/compositional content .
This of course is a good thing.
Pini's got the full battery of keyboards; Hammonds and other organs in all their
Emersonian percussive glory, analog synths which Pini handles like a pro, plus some nice
piano work in front of and behind string/mellotron washes. Pini's playing is technically
superb, with speed, finesse, and expressiveness.
There are short 4-minute pieces and longer 7 to 11-minute ones which are all
beautifully-developed with massed keyboards(mellotron, organ and analog synths)layered to
great effect. Vocalist Claudio Guerrini has a very expressive, and emotional delivery
which fits Walter Pini's own exressive, emotive styles like a glove. The bass and
percussion hold their own and add their own distinctive elements.
Boy do I wish I could read Italian as all liner notes and lyrics are in Italian, but don't
let that stop your enjoyment of all the deliciousinstrumental work.
As far as I can make out, this album seems to focus around war and battle concepts taken
from human history....it actually has a bit of a Metamorfosi-"Inferno"
"feel" to it. Lots of dark dramatic musical passages abound.
All nine cuts on this 53-minute disc are winners, combining some of the best keyboard
playing this side of ELP, Triumvirat, Metamorfosi, and Le Orme. If this isn't among the
best keyboard-oriented prog releases of the past 20 years, than I don't know what is! I
can't recommend this highly enough!
From: Mark Fonda <>
I have had this for a while and I rated it good, but not great... I'll have to listen to
it a few more times. :) How do you like the old-time photo's (black & white) of the
band members? One is with them all standing around the grave of what looks like an Italian
war hero. They're all dressed in top hats, vests, boots and bow ties... 'unique' is all I
can say!
np: Nuova Era - Il Passo Del Soldato (yes, Jeff, this IS a fabulous keyboard
virtuoso... I think the first time around I got thrown off by the first track which is
more vocals-oriented and didn't give the rest a fair listen. This will now displace Lito
Vitale in the Top20 list!!)
From: "Jeff Marx" <>
That's interesting Mark...my thinking for the five or six times I've listened to this
album has been that the key was getting through the first 1 or 2 tracks which kind of set
the table for the rest of the album. The complexity and performance level ramp way up by
tracks 3 and 4, it's a nice way to build intensity in an album!
From: Jeff Marx <>
I got an e-mail from Walter Pini of Nuova Era fame, but as I don't read Italian,
I'm lost. Can any kind e-progger help me with a translation? I'd guess it's
something about a solo album of his? Thanks in Walter Pini (Firenze) Italy.
Salve, Parli Italiano? Spero di si. Sono il tastierista e compositore dei NUOVA
ERA Walter. Volevo solo ringraziarti per la tua recensione che ho trovato nel
web girando tra i siti che trattano il progressive. Tra poco deve uscire un
nostro CD con pezzi dal vivo e registrazioni inedite. Titolo:"CATTIVI
PENSIERI" edito per la Pickup records.
From: Luca <>
I hope you can understand this quick translation...
Hi, do you speak Italian?. I hope so. I am the " Nuova Era"
keyboardist and composer, Walter. I just only want to thank you for your
recension that I have found on the web turning (amongst?) progressive related
site. Soon a cd of us will be released with live and unreleased recordings.
Named:" CATTIVI RICORDI" from Pick up records.