La valle dei templi by Perigeo

La valle dei templi by the fantastic Perigeo, from 1975, here in a limited-edition 180g yellow vinyl version.

The technical prowess is evident on this album: orchestral sections, gong sounds, piano with Latin accents, electric piano, percussion, and Esposito's playing—perfectly executed jazz fusion.

There's also a softer side, made up of pure beauty and dreamy atmospheres, but also excellent synths, the intensity of the saxophone, and beautiful guitar solos.

The rhythm section is great, precise, and compact.

The guitar, keyboard, and saxophone solos are very creative, without overdoing it, but grounded in the compositions.

The band was founded in Rome in 1971 by Giovanni Tommaso, a jazz bassist, who formed the band with Tony Sidney on guitar, Franco D'Andrea on keyboards, Claudio Fasoli on saxophone, and Bruno Biriaco on drums and percussion, blending jazz and rock.

This album features the addition of the great Tony Esposito on percussion, introducing an ethnic sound to the band's traditional sound.

The jazz influence is strong, influenced by the jazz fusion of Return to Forever and Weather Report, as well as Soft Machine, with psychedelic, prog-inspired reminiscences.

Beautiful album, excellent, one of my favorites.

Recommended for all lovers of jazz-rock and fusion, and in my opinion, a perfect starting point for learning more about this great band.

The Tracks

Tamale – 4:29 (Giovanni Tommaso)

La valle dei templi – 6:12 (Bruno Biriaco)

Looping – 3:03 (Franco D'Andrea)

Mistero della Firefly – 6:58 (Giovanni Tommaso)

Pensieri – 2:15 (Bruno Biriaco)

Periblo – 5:04 (Giovanni Tommaso)

Eucalyptus/Alba di un mondo – 3:46 (Claudio Fasoli)

Cantilena – 3:55 (Franco D'Andrea)

2000 e due notti – 5:35 (Giovanni Tommaso)

Un cerchio giallo – 4:30 (Tony Sidney)

Running Time 45:10

Line-Up

- Bruno Biriaco - drums, percussion, acoustic piano (2)

- Franco D'Andrea - pianos Acoustic and electric instruments, synthesizers

- Claudio Fasoli - alto, soprano, and tenor saxophones

- Tony Sidney - acoustic and electric guitars

- Giovanni Tommaso - vocals, bass, double bass, synthesizers

With

- Toni Esposito - percussion