Campo di Marte - "Concerto Zero : Live 1972/2003"

This is a 2-disc live with concerts from 1972 and 2003.
The first is from "The Space Electronic", Firenze. The setlist is 4 tracks; Prologo parte 2 (Settimo tempo), Alba (Secondo tempo), Epilogo (Quarto tempo) and Prologo parte 1 (Quinto tempo / Sesto tempo). Its with the orginal band members that recorded the selftitled album also. Its a very important historical document to hear this band perform their songs on this live/demo test recording. Unfortunately the sound is bootleg quality or there around, but at least the listener is given a chance to hear what CdM sounded like back then, and the songs are true to their originals. Apart from the fact that the first track is sung with english lyrics.

My favourite track from the album, Quarto tempo, is included on the live disc which is nice, although on the CdM album its called Quinto tempo. In this version the song has english lyrics though as opposed to being instrumental on the album. The last track (tracks) is the Quinto/Sesto tempo with its strong guitar riffs and horns. Also here its some english lyrics put in. The track and cd ends with some weird sound effects and back wards noises ending the concert in a true psychedelic manner.

The second disc and concert was recorded at la Terazza, Ronta in july, 2003. Only two of the original members were now playing in the band. The sound production is much better here and it sounds great when Enrico kicks off the setlist that is:
1. Primo tempo/Settimo tempo
2. Back in time
3. Bluesy Rocky
4. Italian Irish
5. Secondo tempo
6. Terzo tempo / Quarto tempo
7. Rock Barock
8. Outro (July, 12th 2003)

That is 5 CdM tracks (tempos) and the rest is other material. The first track feels now very powerful and the singing (in italian) and riffs sound as strong as ever. The combined tracks are also newly arranged and all the parts and themes sound very sharp and good, the different wind instruments indeed. There is a short jam part in the middle of the song, where the guitarist and bassist kicks it off.
"Back in time" has Enrico Rosa switching the electric guitar to acoustic. Hearing a non CdM song for the first time I really didn't know what to expect. What folds out is an absolutely beautiful piece with dominant recorder themes and fragile acoustic chords. it sounds very medieval/renassiance-styled arranged done in a very convincing way. Truly fantastic sounds and a very nice contrast to the CdM heavier progressive sounds. "Bluesy Rocky" is what you could expect from the title a very bluesy tune with lots of great soloing. No doubt the guitarist is at home in this genre too, delivering some very convincing solos. The keyboardist also sweeps out some nice piano soloing in a jazzier direction.

"Italian Irish" is another guitar dominated track also joined by the recorder, it developes into a quick track. Again a song that is slightly hard to classify more than it sounds great with the mix of the prominant recorder with the rest of the instruments.
"Secondo tempo" we all know, and it is here again with all the different instruments and themes. It sounds exactly true to the original which is fascinating and impressive. Next comes "Terzo tempo / Quarto tempo" which its aggresive electric guitar riffing in the intro. Its revealing and interesting to read the included booklet where background stories and explanations to the different tracks are described. Again the track sounds so true to the original that it gives shivers, and it certainly makes you realize how strong this compositions are by hearing them newly recorded, 30 years after the first album came out.
More classicaly inspired themes are delievred in "Rock Barock" with its barock themes and some truly intense soloing. The bonus track is an outro from a private DVD recording also featuring a presentation of the band members.

In conclusion I can only say that this concert is extremly well performed, the different tracks with its different genres makes this a very interesting musical mix, almost boiling over with creativity but always maintaining that solid and strong musicianship. The sound is very good and to hear the old CdM songs in this new and powerful setting is very nice if you like me enjoy their 1973 album. But also the chance to be introduced to the many other musical sides of Enrico Rosas Campo di Marte was a great opportunity and one you shouldn't be without.

Visit Enrico Rosa's site for more info about the band.