Per un amico by Premiata Forneria Marconi

Per un amico, a masterpiece by Premiata Forneria Marconi, a 1972 album

This is an essential album in my opinion, one of the best progressive albums of all time. Released in the same year after Storia di un minuto, it is also more complex than the first, perhaps more musically mature.

Two albums in one year are no small feat, but two masterpieces in the same year undeniably mark the greatness of one of the most important bands in Italian progressive rock and progressive rock in general.

A masterpiece from the first note to the last, ranging across different styles and sensations, from acoustic guitar passages to the most complex and heavy prog.

Franco Mussida's voice is passionate and intense, and his work on electric and acoustic guitar is masterful.
Mauro Pagani with flutes and violin balances the distorted guitars.
The rhythm section features the immense Franz Di Cioccio on drums and Giorgio Piazza's splendid bass.
Flavio Premoli's keyboard work is impressive, a cornerstone of this immense band's sound.

The five songs are all masterpieces condensed into just 34 intense minutes.

"Sotto un pò" is a magnificent piece, beginning with a symphonic, almost pastoral mood, with melodies that have a medieval sound, but then transforming into the complexity of jazz-rock fusion, finally flowing into a purely progressive section. The vocals and choirs are beautiful, and the finale features splendid keyboards. A simply magnificent piece.
Generale has a catchier melody, a song dominated by the guitars that give the piece a typically rock feel. Beautiful.
"Per un amico" opens with a beautiful flute, and when the vocals arrive, the mellotron takes center stage. The violin, acoustic guitar, and bass are beautiful. Synthesizers and piano close the song magnificently. The lyrics, written by Mauro Pagani and referring to Claudio Rocchi, are also beautiful.

Il banchetto, beautiful with its constant changes, light voices and guitars for a melody that starts soft and becomes imposing, a beautiful dreamy atmosphere, a sophisticated, sophisticated piece. My favorite song on this album.

Geranio closes the album, with a soft start but great big changes, truly beautiful.

There is an English version, Photos of Ghosts, but I prefer this Italian version.

An album that increases the complexity of the previous one. These fantastic musicians also give us performances that are top-notch despite the increased complexity, and a fantastic overall sound; I especially find the mellotron sounds spectacular.

An absolutely unmissable album.

The Tracks

1. Just a Little (7:43)

2. General (4:18)

3. For a Friend (5:23)

4. The Banquet (8:39)

5. Geranio (8:03)

Duration 34:06

The Lineup

- Franco Mussida - lead vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, 12-string guitar, mandocello, theorbo (?)

- Flavio Premoli - lead vocals, Hammond & Pari organs, MiniMoog, Mellotron, harpsichord, piano, spinet, tubular bells

- Mauro Pagani - flutes (alto, piccolo), violin, backing vocals

- Giorgio Piazza - bass, backing vocals

- Franz Di Cioccio - drums, percussion, backing vocals

With:

- Claudio Fabi - co-arranger and co-producer