Io sono nato libero by Banco del Mutuo Soccorso

Io sono nato libero del Banco del Mutuo Soccorso (I Am Born Free) from 1973, here in a beautiful limited-edition 180g vinyl reissue from 2022.

Banco del Mutuo Soccorso (from 1979 to 1990, simply Banco) are among the greatest exponents of Italian progressive rock, with a significant following not only in Italy but also (if not especially) abroad. Founded in Rome in 1968 by Vittorio Nocenzi and his brother Gianni, their name was suggested by the director of RCA, to reference the mutual aid societies that protected workers. Their sound is characterized by the magnificent classical piano of Gianni Nocenzi (on their early albums), the jazz-inspired talent of his brother Vittorio, and the stunning voice of Francesco Di Giacomo, a great singer and man. Unique in the Italian music scene, with a distinctive, recognizable sound that blends bel canto and typical Italian melodies with rock, jazz, and classical inspiration, with a strong tendency toward virtuosity, engaging and profound lyrics, and complex musical structures performed with first-rate technical skill.

Io sono nato libero is an essential album, one of the best progressive albums of all time, vying with "Darwin" for the title of the band's best album, and perhaps of all Italian progressive music.

The complexly arranged sound is highly sophisticated, featuring masterful keyboard work (including classical piano and synthesizers) with lyrics that explore themes of war, freedom, and political prisoners, alternating between evocative acoustic moments and intense, epic rock melodies—a key example of Italian progressive rock.

The album features a wide range of prog styles, from the beautiful acoustic ballad "Non Mi Rompete" to more complex pieces with powerful organ parts, such as "Canto Nomade Per Un Prigioniero Politico," featuring unexpected shifts in style and tempo.

- "Canto Nomade per un Prigioniero Politico" is the opening track, also the longest on the album, clocking in at over 15 minutes. It begins with a synth-horn [a horn sound created by a synthesizer] and evolves into a complex arrangement and a stunning piano melody. There are also complex sections featuring fantastic guitar, bass, and drums.

- "Non Mi Rompete" is a short, complex, and predominantly acoustic piece.

- "La Città Sottile" features a large acoustic piano part, maintaining the album's complexity.

- "Dove... Niente E' più' lo Stesso" is a long instrumental piece that continues the album's theme.

- "Track II" is the shortest instrumental piece and closes the album.

Di Giacomo's splendid voice, an exceptional six-piece band (guitarist Rodolfo Maltese has been added), Gianni Nocenzi's masterful work, the incredibly poetic lyrics, and a concept revolving around freedom with a clear social message and political sensitivity—all ingredients that make "Io sono nato libero" an undeniable masterpiece.

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

Tracklist

1. Canto Nomade Per Un Prigioniero Politico (15:46)
2. Non Mi Rompete (5:09)
3. La Città Sottile (7:13)
4. Dopo... Niente È Più Lo Stesso (9:55)
5. Traccia II (2:39)
Duration 40:42