J.e.t.

J.E.T.’s name is not only known to progressive Italian rock fans, but also to a wider audience, given that from their ashes, already in the mid-’70s, the soon-to-be-famous Matia Bazar were born: this new incarnation was able to rework J.E.T.’s last phase most ‘commercial’ hints, leading to a long successful career that still goes on today. Contrarily to what these words might suggest, J.E.T.’s only LP, originally published in 1972, is so far from the term ‘commercial’ as close to the Italian prog of the golden age: four long and complex tracks – plus the short ending “Sfogo” – with religion-themed lyrics, strong hard rock influences, a solid rhythmic section, keyboards always in evidence and beautiful vocal harmonies, sometimes reminiscent of the typical New Trolls’ falsetto. A timeless album, which still today leaves the listener astonished for its beauty and magniloquence, but also a bit disappointed by the fact that the band didn’t manage to release a follow-up to this masterpiece.

Early heavy Italian progressive rock with enough great hammond, electric guitar and drum courtship to ensure you never sleep well again. J.E.T. were known as a four piece ensemble who performed heavy yet classically influenced guitar and keyboard dominated prog rock. Their music exudes a clever and truly emotional listen never getting to loud or crazy for the listener. Although no shortage of harder rock driven moments, J.E.T. wind out into some simply gorgeous calm and spiritually uplifting melodies throughout. In many ways this is a very complete album reaching a vast range of moods and tempo changes. Vocals are well done with lots of compelling emotion.

J.E.T. is an Italian foursome who released a couple of albums in the early 70's of which the second is of particular interest to progsters. Their style is reminiscent of MUSEO ROSENBACH and IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO but more aggressive. After the release of their second album, some members joined ex-MUSEO ROSENBACK's Giancarlo Golzi and switched the name to The MATIA BAZAR, a more commercial rock outfit that is still alive today.