Assolo di Bongo - Primetime (2001)

The debut album from this Italian band. The first of two albums. 

Besides of a great prog rock scene, Italy has always had a great jazz and fusion scene too. In most cases, the prog and fusion/jazz scene has crossed over into each other. Area is a good example. 

This four piece is not particular a crossover band between the fusion and the prog rock scene. Nevertheless, you will find some symphonic prog in their music too. The lineup on this album is keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. That gives a not so organic sound throughout this instrumental album.

The music here is a bit harder than I am used to from fusion bands. The guitars is very much in the prog metal vein and the drums also kicks like metal drums. Most of the music here is somewhere between fusion and metal. 

The music is good throughout and I really like most of this album. There are some good melodies too although the emphasis is on technical prowess. 

This is a good album.

3 points