After two remarkable albums to start their career, could Banco del Mutuo Succorso maintain the momentum for a 3rd? The answer is a resounding YES. The sextet possessed so much talent, in both instrumentation and composition, it seemed that their imagination was endless. But the heroes of the band remain the Nocenzi brothers, who bring an arsenal of vintage keyboards, along with the latest in synthesizer technology. They play off each other as only two brothers could - each knowing what the other is thinking before they think it themselves. If I had to pick just one song from Banco's canon, it would be Io Sono Nato Libero's opener 'Canto Nomade per un Prigioniero Politico' which packs a wallop, and goes in dozens of different directions. Giacomo's powerful operatic voice sends the message home, that yes, we are born free! To take this even further, when someone asks me to play one representative of Italian prog, this is the track I pull out. The album doesn't stop there, as Banco mixes melody, complex instrumental sections, intense passion, and immense creativity. For my tastes, Io Sono Nato Libero is the best Banco has to offer, and considering the stiff competition, that's quite an achievement.
Ownership: LP: 1973 Ricordi. Comes in a rounded corner sleeve with a booklet in the same shape stapled inside. It's a super custom package, something that really stands out. My first copy (1989) was a standard single sleeve - one of those cheap Orizzonte presses from the 80s. My final upgrade came from a clothing (?) store in Phoenix, Arizona while there on business (2000). This store had some records, and in the middle of a garden variety selection was a perfect mint Io Sono Nato Libero! The CD
CD: 2003 BMG (Japan). Replicates the awesome cover. The sound is a bit bright, but good enough. An album this great calls for both formats.
1989 (first listen); 2000; 2006; 8/25/21 (review/new entry)
1989 (first listen); 2000; 2006; 8/25/21 (review/new entry)
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