Aria by Alan Sorrenti

Aria, Alan Sorrenti's first album, released in 1972, is a legacy of Italian progressive rock.

Aria is considered his best album, with his virtuoso voice used like a musical instrument.

It is also one of the finest examples of Mediterranean progressive rock, and in my opinion deserves to be considered a classic of Italian music in general.

All lyrics and music are by Alan Sorrenti, and the album features top-notch musicians, including Antonio (Tony) Esposito on drums and percussion and a young Jean-Luc Ponty on violin.

Only four tracks, about 40 minutes long

- the first, the Title Track, is a masterpiece, starting melodically and evolving into experimentation and avant-garde music, with Sorrenti's voice featuring a highly personal, subtle style and extraordinary dissonances. The atmospheres vary between melody and chaos, with violin and mellotron supporting guitars, drums, and bass. A magnificent song.

- And then there's "I Would Like to Meet," a mere five minutes with a delicate, beautiful voice, extraordinary acoustic guitar, accordion, and lyrics that are a leap into the past. Stunning, one of the most beautiful love songs, which was also the album's lead single.

- "La Mia Mente" follows with a progressive sound on the piano and then more jazz when the trumpet enters. A beautiful composition.

- The album closes with "Un Fiume Tranquilo," an intense prog track that closes with acoustic guitar. Very beautiful.

A unique album, not only in the career of an artist who would soon take a completely different path from prog, but in the Italian music scene as a whole. It's a difficult album, however, for those who don't like experimental and avant-garde music, characteristics that are particularly evident in the track "Aria."

A highly recommended album!

Tracklist
1. Aria (19:49)
2. Vorrei Incontrarti (4:58)
3. La Mia Mente (7:36)
4. Un Fiume Tranquillo (8:01)
Running Time 40:26

Line-Up
- Alan Sorrenti - vocals and acoustic guitar
- Antonio Esposito - drums and percussion
- Vittorio Nazzaro - bass and classical guitar lead
- Albert Prince - Hammond organ, accordion, mellotron, synthesized harp
- Tony Bonfilis - bow
- Jean Costa - trombone
- André Lajdi - trumpet
- Martin Paratore - Spanish dancer
Featuring:
- Jean Luc Ponty - violin (1)