Napoli Centrale. 1975 Italy

Napoli Centrale's debut possesses one of the most poignant album covers I've ever seen. With scenes from the ghettos of Naples, one would expect an album of much gravitas and a message of upheaval. Considering the cover, I really want so much from this album, but there isn't much to get I'm afraid. Musically it's pretty standard mid 70s jazz rock fusion. No more edgy than Nova, for example, and less accomplished and interesting. Only the tracks with vocals show the band was capable of so much more. Not to say it's a bad album - it most certainly isn't. Had it been released by a American group on some major label, its value would be less than $5. I fear to say I might be keeping this... for the cover.

I found some old notes I wrote many years ago. I don't agree with everything I said, but this part remains true: Politically oriented band, though the album doesn’t have that angry feel of their socially conscious brothers in Germany.

Ownership: LP: 1975 Dischi Ricordi. Gatefold. Very powerful message. Words are not needed. I picked this one off of ebay a few years ago. Like most Italian "prog" albums, copies are not cheap.

Napoli Centrale - Mattanza. 1976 Italy

Napoli Centrale's Mattanza is an intriguing sophomore effort. This is jazz fusion with the pendulum swinging far to the jazz side of the equation. The gruff vocals are still present, often in scat form. At times, there's a late night John Coltrane vibe that permeates throughout, especially on Side 2. Some of the sax sequences get a bit shrieky for this listener, but for those predisposed to that sort of sound, I can imagine that would only add points. For my tastes, there are much better jazz rock oriented albums from Italy. I can let this one go.