Claudio Rocchi ~ Italy

Essenza (1973)

---2004

Essenza is Claudio Rocchi's 4th solo album. The first track has phased voices, tablas, droning synthesizers (similar to Battiato's early work), and a little boys voice reciting something in Italian. This reminds me of Picchio dal Pozzo on their debut and sends chills down my spine. Other tracks have flute, sax, organ, piano, and quite a bit of acoustic guitar strumming. Rocchi sings in a very unique way, though not that dissimilar from others of his ilk in the 1970's Italian scene. In fact, parts of this remind me of Sergius Golowin's album considering the obvious stoned vibe. The phasing has a lot to do with this perception.

---8/18/25

And 21 years later I'm back for a revisit. The above review certainly encapsulates my point of view today as well. I didn't mention that there's quite a cast supporting Rocchi on this outing, most notably the duo who made up Albergo Intergalattico Spaziale plus Elio D'Anna from Osanna. The music belongs as much to folk as it does to progressive rock. As noted on Arturo Stalteri's Andre Sulla Luna review recently, Franco Battiato is the reflex comparison though not entirely accurate. Alan Sorrenti circa Aria would be another point of reference. Some of the keyboard work reminds me of Stalteri actually.

Ownership: 1973 Ariston (LP). Gatefold with lyric inner bag.

Not reissued on CD as of 8/18/25.

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I never did pursue Rocchi's other solo works in earnest. 

2004 (acquired / review); 8/18/25 (update / new entry)