Quella Vecchia Locanda- Il Tempo... RI LP Italy prog
$
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Description
Two years after their eponymous debut album, QVL released 'Il Tempo della Gioia', having experienced a couple of changes in their line-up - one of them took place in the relevant violinist's role. The fact is that the band assumed a different approach in the expression of their rich musical ideas, subduing the rock/blues factor while emphasizing the jazzier aspect. The colorfulness of baroque and romanticism keeps on very heavily present in the band's sound; hence, its combination with the exuberance of jazz allows QVL achieve a special exquisiteness in their performances. The sound production is also more polished, in comparison with the debut album. On the other hand, the intensity is the same, as you can notice from track 1. The keyboards fill a more prominent role, with multiple layers on synth, recurrent chord progressions on piano (the main keyboard factor) and harpsichord; meanwhile the guitars (both electric and classical) do the opposite, maintain a low profile (a couple of occasional solos, aside). As always, the violin is the most recurrent and distinctive ingredient in the band's sound, accompanied now and then by flute or clarinet (the latter, played by the guitarist himself). Given the jazzy ambience that occupies the album, the soloing tends to be freer in form, less restricted by academic patterns - one notable exception is track 2, a beautiful baroque- like sonata that includes a captivating choral arrangement. The last three tracks are in my opinion the most successful in terms of inspired writing and energetic performing (the closure's thundering climax is simply memorable); I only wish that 'Un Giorno, Un Amico' would have been developed a bit further, and the closing track would have been a bit longer. but as it is, 'Il Tempo della Gioia' is one of the absolute peaks of Italian symphonic prog.
There is so much great Italian prog that I'm always raving about it only to be asked by others where to start. Then it becomes very hard to think of one album that captures all of the many wonderful and unique aspects of the classic Italian album. This would have to be one of the top candidates to suggest to someone as an essential Italian album and one that covers most of the traits that make them special: creative songwriting fusing the rock, classical, and jazz genres; immaculate production with great attention to recording details; exceptional use of violins, flutes, and other classical elements; warm and passionate Italian vocals; and perhaps most importantly an unabashed willingness to project a most romantic style of music. Some will say that the Italian stuff can't compare to the best English or German music but I disagree. True, the big groups from those other countries achieved far great commercial success but does that necessarily mean they are better? Or perhaps just different, with the luxury of more access and distribution that has allowed them to be more ingrained in our minds as the standard bearers of quality prog? The sheer beauty of "Il Tempo Della Gioia" would suggest it has a place amongst the greatest prog titles from anywhere in my humble opinion.
The album opens with a sweeping and gorgeous piano melody in "Villa Doria Pamphili" joined by acoustic guitar and violin. Achingly beautiful. The vocals begin and are very good by any standards. At 2:30 there is a unexpected crescendo. Then after another verse the song ends with such a wistful, haunting piano. What an opener!
"A Forma Di" begins softly with building violin and then flute and piano, the violins being tense and nervous while the other instruments are contrasted by a sense of calm. Around halfway we get some wordless vocals in a choir form. Then what I believe is a harpsichord adds an elegant feel before the song fades out.
The title track is next with vocals right away proceeding into somewhat jazzy waters. We get some trippy keyboards and operatic sounding vocals. Bass and percussion provide a solid backdrop here and we get a small taste of some nice guitar. The last part of the song begins to sound like an Italian version of Relayer's "Sound Chaser." But make no mistake, this band was not trying to mimic Yes or Genesis or Floyd, they made their own sound with this release.
"Un Giorno Un Amico" features some fiery violin playing in the first half of this near 10 minute prog gem. If you're waiting for things to get conventional, they won't. This track is just about exploration and emotion. After some vocals the second half opens up more space for some nice solos from several instruments. Again the combination of jazz/rock and classical elements is seamless. The sound quality is pretty decent for '74.
"E Accaduto una Notte" begins with choral voices, flutes, and acoustics before the lead vocal begins, accompanied by piano and distinct bass. The mood gets decidedly dark as the strings and piano take on a sinister tone. The album ends with a trippy build-up to an explosion of some type. So much for the happy ending! It is true as some have noted that QVL was "ending challenged." Many of their songs just stop abruptly or in some unimaginative way but for me it just can't negate all the things they do right.
The Japanese mini lp-sleeve features incredible sound and a perfect reproduction of one of the most amazing gatefolds I've ever seen. A deliciously abstract painting graces the outside while the inside art would suggest maybe a romantic road trip spent writing music among other things? How should I know, just a guess! Whatever the point of the art, it works magically with the music to convey the feeling that these were men reveling in a most creative and heady time in their lives.
An essential title for a collection desiring any exposure to the Italian scene, the masterpiece of QVL. Also recommended to fans of classical music. Their debut may be more rocking and accessible, but this one is where the real magic is! 4 ½ stars rounding up on this one.
(progarchives.com)
Quella Vecchia Locanda- Il Tempo Della Gioia
RCA/Contempo Records (Italy/1988) NL 74113
A2. A Forma Di (4:07)
A3. Il Tempo Della Gioia (6:15)
B1. Un Giorno, un Amico (9:39)
B2. È Accaduto una Notte (8:16)
Line up:
Claudio Gilice- violin
Giorgio Giorgi- vocals, flute, piccolo
Massima Giorgi- bass, contrabass, vocals
Massimo Roselli- vocals, keyboards
Patrick Fraina- vocals, drums
Raimondo Cocco- vocals, clarinet, guitar
LP and jacket in EX condition
Will ship worldwide via USPS. Postage determined by destination.
Welcome to my auction of rare (and not so rare) items. Over the coming years, you'll find lots of LPs, CDs, magazines, and other items that I've been lugging around for the past 30+ years posted here for an appreciative future owner. I'm getting too old these days to move this stuff around any longer, and to be quite honest about it, I can better utilize the space left with their vacancy.
Please include my seller ID in your favorites because if you dig the out-of-the-ordinary, chances are good that I'm selling something you may covet.
I've kept my items in the best shape possible over the years, with plastic sleeves over the jacket, and in many cases, I've replaced paper LP sleeves with high-quality rice sleeves. If an LP included any sticker on the shrink-wrap, I usually cut it out and stuck it in with the LP sleeve. I rarely took any inserts out of the jackets if they were included, so any additional item you may get with an LP won't have thumbtack holes or taped corners.
I've loved my music collection as if they were a part of me, and I think you'll see this should you win any item I sell.
I'm brutally honest in my grading. I don't believe in "Mint" quality, however I will say that many of my LPs designated VG+ would likely be another seller's "Near Mint". Over my years of ownership, I used a Keith Monks LP cleaner, cleaned albums with a 10% vodka/90% purified water solvent, and used an anti-static gun and mat, along with near-audiophile cartridges and tonearms.
Why are my LPs priced so low when another seller is charging a three-figure price for the same items? Simple. I believe in the spirit of the auction. I may not make the money some have on the same item, but then I usually don't have to post an item 20 times before someone finally buys it at a collector's price.
My grading system:
EX: Vinyl is (nearly) perfect. Only noise during play is from dust or dirt specks you didn't clean before playing. Jacket is (nearly) perfect- almost like you took it out of the wrapper a few minutes ago.
VG+: Obviously played, but vinyl still has almost-new luster. Some small scuffs or light scratches, not affecting or barely affecting play are evident. Jacket has some small scuffs or light ringwear. No seam splits, but edge/corner wear is evident. Possible small sticker or man-made mark visible.
VG: These and below are almost always LPs I've bought from a used bin at some time during my collecting days. Vinyl is well played, and background noise is becoming evident. Occasional scratches may affect play, but no groove skipping. Jacket may have a small notch/corner cut. Ring wear is evident, but does not affect cover notes. Light corner bend or wrinkle in jacket surface.
VG-: This is usually the lowest grade I will sell without going into great descriptions. A bit noisier than above. Still no groove skip. More scratches affecting play. Jacket is definitely showing signs of wear. Some seam splitting is evident. Large sticker or factory imprint mars jacket cover or notes on back cover. Bends or creases are more evident. Man-made spotting/writing. Overly-ambitious notch/corner cut or outright damage to cover.
G: I have maybe a handful of albums that fit this category. You'll see detailed descriptions on any album like this.
Last thoughts: Return bidders get postage discounts, based on a percentage of total postage. I will combine orders, but please don't expect me to hold items or delay total payment longer than 2 weeks past the time of first winning bid. A note to me over plans to bid on later listed items is always a good thing! I usually mail out the weekend following the sale of an item due to my work schedule, but occasionally, I can mail out during the week.
Good luck and good bidding!
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