Il Saprofita (1974)

Usually described as a "supergroup", Il Volo was a studio band formed by very popular musicians all coming from famous bands: Alberto Radius and Gabriele Lorenzi from Formula Tre, Mario Lavezzi from Flora Fauna Cemento and Camaleonti, Bob Callero from Osage Tribe and Duello Madre, Gianni Dall'Aglio from Ribelli, along with composer Vince Tempera who also had his own band Pleasure Machine. Very good (somewhat jazz) fusion melodic symphonic with also very interesting percussion, keyboards, as nicely balanced music. The first Italian album from 1974, their music is built upon two keyboards with great vocals and lush arrangements. Close to PFM or Banco by the vocals parts and the beauty of the themes and to E.L.P. by the instrumental virtuosity.

A five-piece of very good musicians from Rome, Albero Motore were aided and produced by 60's singer-guitarist Ricky Gianco who helped them with a recording deal with the newly born Intingo label. "Il Grande Gioco" seems one of those rock-inspired singer-songwriters' albums so popular in Italy during the 70's, with much more space to the voice than to lead instruments, prog influences are minimal, with honky piano and excellent but short American-styled guitar licks to the fore, helped by a good voice, and the album is a nice listening though with no particular merits.
The only relevant tracks are Israele with lyrics on the Palestinian people and the closing Provvisorietà, introduced by a short instrumental (and much closer to a prog style, this time) called Capodanno '73.

Quella Vecchia Locanda were one of Italian pioneering prog acts who released 2 classic albums. QVL blend the harmonics of PFM with the gentleness of Celeste , but rely heavier on the violin throughout and less on the mellotron. There are some absolutely brilliant musical moments which must be heard to really appreciate. Truely one of the all time greatest Italian prog masterpieces.

Franco Battiato is one of the most successful singers in Italy. He began his career as a "light" singer, recording a few singles. In 1971 he started his particular journey through experimental music, recording his proggiest issues: "Fetus", "Pollution", "Sulle corde di Aries". Some very atmospheric parts and some very melodic songs make these records worthwhile, along with musical references to the arabic culture and italian folk that will surface from time to time in all of his following output. His next records are gradually more and more experimental, exploring minimalism and culminating with "L' Egitto prime delle Sabbie", with two long pieces based on hardly one note and its harmonics.

Considered by many as being one of the best expressions of Italian progressive music. After have been known at the Festival Be-In of Naples (June 1973), they recorded one single album with the same band name, released by Trident, revealing great musical passages mainly using synthesizers. Their debut is considered a small jewel, blending symphonic prog with hard rock. Influences range from Gentle Giant, to Jethro Tull and Banco del Mutuo Soccorso.