Palepoli by Osanna

Palepoli by Osanna, released in 1973, here in a 2021 reissue on clear red 180g vinyl. 

Osanna are an Italian progressive rock band from the 1970s, formed in Naples in 1971, whose sound is a fusion of jazz-rock, heavy guitars, great flute solos, and symphonic arrangements combined with the folk tradition of Southern Italy, creating a completely original Italian progressive rock that was born in the very active Neapolitan prog scene, with a strong theatrical component in their live performances.

The original lineup consisted of Lino Vairetti (vocals), Danilo Rustici (guitar), Lello Brandi (bass), Massimo Guarino (drums), and Elio D'Anna (flute, saxophone), who came from Città Frontale. 

They were also one of the first bands to use costumes and masks during concerts, to the point that it seems Genesis changed their approach to live performances after meeting Osanna during their Italian tour in 1971.

The album is a masterpiece of Italian progressive rock from the 70s, with a complex suite structure in three parts 

- Oro Caldo opens with samples of market sounds and a "taranta" (tarantella) rhythm, then changes into a beautiful, intense ballad rich in wind counterpoints and ends with a great rock blues. The flute solos and Hendrix-style guitar parts are beautiful.
- Stanza Città is a pure progressive rock transition track.
- Animale senza respiro is the longest track on the album, over 20 minutes, and perhaps the band's best song, with a fusion of jazz-rock, hard rock, and acoustic and electronic moments, featuring a series of exceptional saxophone, flute, and drum solos.

A landmark album in Italian progressive music, which brought Italian prog to an international dimension. Beautiful album, an absolute must-have.

Note: All links to the musicians' works are in the TAGS below the article title or on the "Artists" page

Tracklist

1. Oro Caldo (18:30)
2. Stanza Città (1:45)
3. Animale Senza Respiro (21:36)
Total Time 41:51

LineUp

- Lino Vairetti - lead vocals, 12-string guitar, ARP 2600 synth, Mellotron
- Danilo Rustici - acoustic, steel, 12-string & electric guitars, Vox organ, backing vocals
- Elio D'Anna - baritone & soprano saxophones, tenor & contralto electric saxophones, flute, piccolo, backing vocals
- Lello Brandi - bass, bass pedals, guitar
- Massimo Guarino - drums, vibraphone, bells, percussion, backing vocals