Cristopke Rime

One of the most prolific musicians working in Italian prog today, Fabio Zuffanti - bassist and composer has been responsible for numerous bands and projects including Finisterre, La Maschera Di Cera, Aries and Höstsonaten who's 2012 release is this first part of The Rime Of The Ancient Mariner. Aided by a good number of other musicians including most of La Maschera Di Cera it's all beautifully performed as you'd expect from a Zuffanti project with violin, flute, sax and even bagpipes alongside the more traditional instruments. Vintage keyboards in abundance alongside some fiery guitar work and the seemingly ever present Maurizio Di Tollo turning in some solid drumming.

Narrated by Robert Powell this work was released by Virgin Records in 1975. Great album sleeve with a noteworthy credit being Mike Oldfield assisting on guitars. The album itself comprises of two parts, Rime Of The Ancient Mariner 1 & 2. Oldfield's association with David Bedford went back to The Kevin Ayers and the Whole World band. While Oldfield was flexing his creative muscle and getting frustrated within the confines of that band he confided more and more with David Bedford and struck up a strong rapport with the keyboard player that lasted long after 1975.