Quella Vecchia Locanda - Il Tempo Della Gioia (1974)

Artista: Quella Vecchia Locanda

Álbum: Il Tempo Della Gioia
Año: 1974
Género: Rock sinfónico italiano
Duración: 33:51
Nacionalidad: Italia

Lista de Temas:
1. Villa Doria Pamphili
2. A Forma Di...
3. Il Tempo Della Gioia
4. Un Giorno, Un Amico
5. È Accaduto Una Notte

Alineación:
- Giorgio Giorgi / voz, flauta
- Raimondo Maria Cocco / guitarra, voz, clarinete
- Massimo Roselli / voz
- Claudio Filice / violin
- Patrick Traina / batteria, percussion
- Massimo Giorgi / bajo

No se pierdan esta maravilla musical exquisita y única, un discazo muy en la onda de Premiata Forneria Marconi, digno de estar al lado de las mejores obras del rock progresivo porque justamente creo que es de las mejores obras del género. Imperdible, no se lo pierdan, para festejar el Día del Rock Progresivo con lo mejor del Rock Progresivo!

Vamos el día de la primavera y del rock progresivo con un clásico (un clásico no del todo conocido por todos, pero un clásico del buen gusto) traido por el Mago Alberto a pedido de... de... bueno, no recuerdo. Alguien en el chat. Progresivo italiano del mejor, como siempre bello, con partituras musicales hermosas, infelizmente poco divulgado aunque su tapa se puede ver en toda colección progresiva que se precie como tal, un disco fundamental en el movimiento, una obra de arte relegada por las radios y compañías grabadoras de la época, pero no por el blog cabezón.
Acá, el comentario de Alberto sobre este maravilloso disco que les aconsejo se vayan descargando...

Llegó la primavera y con ella llegan los pajaritos, las flores, el calorcito, pero aca en la Escuelita de Moe (El Cabezón) no le damos bola a nada que no sea la música, y en éste caso seguimos con la materia Italia, y se cuela como brisa por la rendija esta banda de tanos que sólo grabaron dos discos y tuvieron sus cinco minutos de fama en los años 70, Quella Vecchia Locanda, muchachos con todos los tips y condimentos de aquella decada,no les falta nada, tienen la impronta de los Premiata, en especial el violin les da el toque de similitud, pero en realidad hay un despliegue de muchísimo talento en armonías, en los solos, en las cadencias mas progres. Y lo que destaco es que se percibe en sus dos discos la fibra rockera mas primigenia, se nota que estos chicos crecieron y mamaron todo el rock de esa época porque hay destellos de cuanto grupo progresivo tocaba en esos años, Jethro, ELP, Crimson, Premiata, Focus, Genesis. Y esas influencias sin duda fueron cruciales para que surgiera QVL ero en esos años tan revolucionarios habian muchisimas bandas, que básicamente hacían lo mismo, algunas con mas suerte que otras.
QVL es una banda que suena fresca en su estilo, los arreglos de violín son de alta escuela académica, como asi también el enlazamiento de flauta y piano, el track 2 es un fiel exponente de lo que menciono.
La peninsula mediterránea siempre mantuvo un movimiento rockero importantísimo, y hasta hoy resuenan bandas como ésta que quizás no es muy conocida, pero que siempre van a tener una oportunidad en el blog cabezón.
Después de los Deus Ex Machina, viene esta banda setentosa a revolver al avispero, se las recomiendo sobremanera, porque suenan muy originales y nos instruyen en la materia Italia y se une también al posteo de LinCab con el "Il Balletto di Bronzo", banda de la cual en estos días vamos a presentar "Sirio 2222".
Saluti a tutti questa Primavera!!.

Alberto

Otro discazo ultra recomendado del blog cabezón, no se pierdan esta maravilla musical exquisita y única... les dejo algunos otros comentarios...

Todo el mundo conoce a los grupos italianos PFM, Banco y Le Orme, pero hay una serie de grupos, que hasta hace pocos anyos eran muy desconocidos para la mayoria de los fans progresivos, mas que nada por el hecho de que, en su momento, no dieron el salto al mercado anglosajon como PFM o Banco, Quella Vecchia Locanda es uno de ellos. Por la popularidad adquirida cualquiera podria pensar que Premiata Forneria Marconi son mucho mejores que Quella Vecchia Locanda, pero para mi la unica diferencia entre ambos grupos es la longitud de sus carreras discograficas, mientras PFM tiene una discografia larga, que llega hasta la actualidad, QVL no pasaron de los dos albums. Sinceramente creo que cualquiera de los dos albums de QVL son tan buenos como los mejores de PFM, Banco o Le Orme, y el tiempo poco a poco los va situando donde se merecen.
Quella Vecchia Locanda, como casi todos los grupos italianos, tienen influencias de los clasicos grupos britanicos como Genesis, King Crimson, ELP o Gentle Giant, aunque tambien una gran personalidad y un estilo propio, pero a la vez muy caracteristico de los grupos italianos, muy melodico, de gran belleza, con fuertes influencias clasicas y jazzisticas, y un gusto exquisito en la instrumentacion y composicion.
Su estilo podriamos considerarlo cercano a PFM y Celeste principalmente. Il Tempo della Gioia es el segundo de los dos albums del grupo y para mi el mejor de ellos.
El disco tan solo consta de 5 temas, de los cuales tres son largos, entre los 6 y 10 minutos.
El primero Villa Doria Pamphili, es un precioso tema con suaves melodias vocales y de violines, y un tono muy agradable y relajado con fragmentos clasicos de piano sublimes.
Tenemos temas que pueden ser comparados con PFM, como Il Tempo della Gioia de 6 minutos, con pasajes instrumentales muy jazz que recuerdan a PFM, pero tambien podemos encontrarnos con seccion de violines y demas toques de musica clasica y algun fragmento de ritmos complejos a lo Gentle Giant. Un gran tema con mucha variedad y progreso.
En otras piezas se pueden notar claramente las influencias clasicas como en la preciosa A Forma di..., un tema barroco con importante presencia de violines y clavicordio.
En el tema mas largo, Un Giorno, Un Amico, tambien nos encontramos con un sonido parejo a PFM, con buenas dosis de violines celtas y barrocos, un buen sentimiento jazz, ligeros toques a lo ELP o King Crimson y gran final con solo de clarinete. Grandisimo tema con tambien grandes melodias vocales y de violin, y complejidad en las estructuras, que haria las delicias de todo aquel que ame el progresivo clasico. E Accaduto una Note de 8 minutos, tambien tiene un buen feeling cercano a PFM o Celeste y a los grupos ingleses, con una melodia vocal realmente bella de un cantante con una gran personalidad. Otra delicia en la linea super progresiva de los anteriores.
Imprescindible, para mi uno de los mejores discos de progresivo italiano de la historia.

Ferran Lizana

Y ahora comentarios¿ en inglés, y agradezco al Mago Alberto haberlo traído al blog aunque tenga que aguantar sus cargadas...

My favourite Italian Prog band , I concider this far superior to PFM, BMS and Le Orme decause this does not contain too many Italian excesses (in my own humble opinion) that I find so present with other groups. Too bad both albums are so short. My colleague reviewers describe this well so there is no point in redundancy.

Sean Trane

Fans of the classic Italian Prog era will drool over this cd re-release. QVL were one of Italy?s pioneering prog acts who release 2 classic albums of which "Il Tempo Della Gioia" is my personal favorite. QVL blend the harmonics of PFM with the gentleness of CELESTE , but rely heavier on the violin throughout and less on the mellotron. There are some absolutely brilliant musical moments which must be heard to really appreciate. Truely one of the all time greatest Italian prog masterpieces. Essential...!!!

James Unger

"Tempo Della Gioia" is a prog album with stronger classical influences than what is usually expected. In fact, instruments like violin, flute, classical guitar, piano, and harpsichord dominate over electric guitar, bass, and drums(which do appear sometimes). QUELLA VECCHIA LOCANDA were also influenced by early jazz, and tend to mix it with classical on some of the later pieces (very unique I must say). The vocals are excellent, and typical of most 70's Italian prog bands. They are never harsh or overbearing, but rather soft, warm, and melodic. Anyway, this album is a classic!

Steve Hegede

I have been spinning this one for quite sometime now...and, I have to tell you if you do not consider this one an Essential/Masterpiece then I will have to quit!!..I am sorry, but this has everything you look for in an essential prog masterpiece, unique, variations, solid musicianship, solid vocals and tons of Instrumentation interplay. From the almost classical pieces "Villa Doria Pamphili" and "A forma di.." into the more Jazzy and Rock textures of the remaining tracks, being my favorite one the long suite "Un Giorno, Un Amico" this is a classic pastoral Masterpiece all the way thru...I would say IMHO at the level of Celeste. Now, being said that I perfectly understand if some of the Progheads around, will not give 5 stars to this one in the overall Symphonic genre, granted that when it comes to the "Italian Symphonic" genre you got to be kidding if you do not give this album 5 solid stars; Superb, this is a classic!!

Jose Gabriel

Two years after their eponymous debut album, QVL released 'Il Tempo della Gioia', having experienced a couple of changes in their line-up - one of them took place in the relevant violinist's role. The fact is that the band assumed a different approach in the expression of their rich musical ideas, subduing the rock/blues factor while emphasizing the jazzier aspect. The colorfulness of baroque and romanticism keeps on very heavily present in the band's sound; hence, its combination with the exuberance of jazz allows QVL achieve a special exquisiteness in their performances. The sound production is also more polished, in comparison with the debut album. On the other hand, the intensity is the same, as you can notice from track 1. The keyboards fill a more prominent role, with multiple layers on synth, recurrent chord progressions on piano (the main keyboard factor) and harpsichord; meanwhile the guitars (both electric and classical) do the opposite, maintain a low profile (a couple of occasional solos, aside). As always, the violin is the most recurrent and distinctive ingredient in the band's sound, accompanied now and then by flute or clarinet (the latter, played by the guitarist himself). Given the jazzy ambience that occupies the album, the soloing tends to be freer in form, less restricted by academic patterns - one notable exception is track 2, a beautiful baroque- like sonata that includes a captivating choral arrangement. The last three tracks are in my opinion the most successful in terms of inspired writing and energetic performing (the closure's thundering climax is simply memorable); I only wish that 'Un Giorno, Un Amico' would have been developed a bit further, and the closing track would have been a bit longer. but as it is, 'Il Tempo della Gioia' is one of the absolute peaks of Italian symphonic prog.

Cesar Inca

I have been listening to Quella Vecchia Locanda's IL TEMPO DELLA GIOIA for a few weeks now, and I quite enjoy this fine, almost genre-defining example of 70s Italian "symphonic progressive." I do have some misgivings, however, which (as with reviewer James Lee before me) prevent me from awarding full marks to this 1974 release.
The album opens on a lovely note, with "Villa Doria Pamphili." Beautiful piano, violin that is laden with sad, soulful expressiveness, acoustic guitar accents, and Italian vocals that I simply cannot fault combine in a glorious example of just how magnificent this subdivision of prog can be. I should think that fans of classic PFM and Banco will embrace this terrific music whole-heartedly!
The second number, "A Forma Di," slowly rises out of silence with rhythmic strings and soaring flute, when some "treated" choral vocals join in to bring the piece to even greater heights of grandeur. Just as the listener is experiencing transports of aural ecstasy, however, the song quickly fades, in an ending that comes much too soon -- almost as if the band could afford limited studio time, and the producer was watching the clock with a miserly accountant's eye. (The entire album clocks in at just under thirty-four minutes, roughly half the length of many modern CDs, and all too short for music this good!)
The longer, more varied title track is another winner, with magnificent piano, strings, and feeling vocals. After a gentle introduction, the song suddenly (but not jarringly) veers off into more up-tempo territory, and we are treated to some electric guitar that evokes that of Gentle Giant, but with an Italian flair. Comparisons to PFM would not be unwarranted here. I particularly enjoy the interchange between the driving drums, guitar and keys on this one. Once again, however, the ending comes too soon, and leaves the song with a somewhat artificially-truncated feel.
The frantic violin on "Un Giorno, Un Amico" reminds me of that of (mid-70s) King Crimson's David Cross, and this faster piece should delight fans of Crimson, Giant, or PFM, whose influences, to varying degrees, can be discerned here. The bass, clarinet, and drums near the middle and end of this, the session's longest and most adventurous track, remind me particularly of LIZARD/ISLANDS-era Crimson. Yet again, though, I find the ending to be notably and disappointingly abrupt -- too bad that the band didn't expend the same degree of care on composing satisfying endings, as they clearly did on the introductions and bodies of their works. This stuff is just too darned good to have been so often marred by hasty, underdeveloped endings!
The closing "E Accaduto una Notte" is again quite dynamic, and the vocals, violin, and drums, especially, shine here -- BUT (here it comes again!) the ending, with its build-up to a sudden "explosion" or thunder-clap, seems to have either been dictated by the constraints of limited time, or -- more likely -- a simple lack of inspiration.
Overall then, my dissatisfaction with the endings of four of the album's five tracks would seem to point to a more middling rating of two or three stars, but for the fact that the material herein is so often truly awesome in its beauty, scope and power. I therefore award IL TEMPO DELLA GIOIA four stars, and the accolade of "excellent" -- it would make a fine addition to the collections of all who appreciate classic Italian symphonic progressive rock. I could wish that the disc ran an additional ten minutes or so, and incorporated some better-planned endings for its very strong material, but -- in music, as in life -- we can't always get everything we want. I urge you to check it out anyway!

Peter

Right from the start, you know these guys can play. The first two tracks are very pastoral and classical no electric guitar anywhere, almost like an Italian Renaissance. It's not until track three "Il Tempo Della Gioia" that the electricity kicks in. The title track is very proggish , with mutilple time signatures and some bizarre operatic singing. The vocalist Giorgio Giorgi has a very good voice and at most times hits those high notes. Track four, "Un Giorno, Un Amico" is very jazz-like with two sax solos and one violin. The last track, E Accaduto Una Notte" reaches back to the first two tracks, warm and classical with touches of electric playing, it ends with a BANG, literally. Overall, an excellent Italian symphonic album to add to your collection, just a tad below the best of PFM and Banco for my tastes. So, a four star disc.

Ray Rappisi jr

In 1974 Quella Vecchia Locanda (That Old Pub) released their second (and last, unfortunately!) album titled "Il Tempo della Gioia" (Joy's Time). Its fairy sound is very classical influenced, more than the usual Italian progrock scene. QLV brought it at highest peak, never abandoning the master hands of drummer Patrick Traina and bass player Massimo Giorgi (ex-Ritratto di Doria Gray, one of the first lines-up of what whould have been later Cherry Five).
"Villa Doria Pamphili" is the stunning opener, introduced by remarkable Massimo Dorelli's piano, Raimondo Cocco's amazing acoustic guitar and Claudio Filice's sad violin. It's a tribute track to the band's first national exposure to a much wider audience in 1972. Excellent! Ad Postera!
"A Forma di." is an instrumental song entirely written by the guitarist Cocco (who also provided vocals and clarinet). It deserves a special mention for the delicate mix between baroque sound and celestial chorus.
Then it's up to "Il Tempo della Gioia". Here comes the pure symphonic prog of QVL. Many shifting moods, intricate choruses and interesting distorted keyboards. Excellent arrangements and performance by all the band's members.
"Un Giorno, Un Amico" (One Day, One Friend) is the highlight of the album! My favourite one, indeed: 9,40 mns of pure prog pleasure! It's a unique violin-driven prog! I confess I never listen to something similar. Extremely recommended!
"É Accaduto una Notte" (It Happened One Night): another longer track (about 8,17 mns) in a more "anguishing" temper, more experimental than the other four pieces. Joy here seems really to disappear.the song ends in fact with an explosion!
This is another classic gem in all the Italian prog rock field of the seventies. Their masterpiece. Highly recommended! 5/5 stars.

Andrea Cortese

On my review of Quella Vecchia Locanda first album I said I considered the two albums to be of equal value and I even already said on the forum that I prefered the first one... bcause I listened to " Il Tempo Della Gioia" so many times... In fact, I bought both this album and Locanda delle Fate's masterpiece at the same time, and was completely blown away. Theoretically, this one should probably be 4.4/5.0, but what the heck, let's give it 5 stars because it changed my vision of progressive music and helped me to discover a new universe, which is the symphonic italian progressive music scene.
I agree with Hughes Chantraine on this one: this is far better than PFM or Le Orme, and I am a huge PFM fan. "Il Tempo Della Gioia" is a short album, yes, but it is intense, profound, allying classical music with impressive percussions and keyboards, along with the gentle touch of flute, violin or clarinet. In fact, this is not only a band, but it sounds like an orchestra.
If you like early PFM, Le Orme, Locanda delle Fate and the Italian symphonic progressive scene, this is a must-own album, and certainly a masterpiece!

Belz

It opens with the majestic sounding Villa Doria Pamphili. The violin and contrabass add to its grandeur and the piano gives it the necessary emotional aspect. A Forma Di starts as a fade in of a clavinova accompanied by a lovely flute part and violin. Then the band joins in with all their vocals, singing as a choir with the piano giving the support. The downside here is that it should have been developed more. It reaches a certain climax with the piano playing alone and then fades away rapidly. The title song starts very nicely and calmly and after 1:20 minutes speeds up. Here you get to hear more clearly the guitar playing but the piano is still very much in the picture as well. Track 4, Un Giorno Un Amico, starts with a marvelous violin part. This track is definitely the violins finest moments as the rest of the instruments are supporting it. This track changes tempo all along and it is very enjoyable. The piano, guitar and drums get to show their moves as well. In this one track you get all the different musical aspect of QVL. The last track begins with the band singing together as a choir again and without instruments. They fade out and in come the instruments, very softly and cautiously. Only after 2:40 minutes does the song get some clear form and the vocals join the music. A nice melody, slow and emotional. It has a very nice ending with the violin and the contrabass doing a short part of their own and then the piano and the flute do their ensemble. A fitting album-closing track.
My favourite tracks here are 1 and 4 as they represent what QVL does best. The vocals are quite good and are in line with other Italian vocalists. I personally prefer their first album to this one, but it is, nonetheless, a fine album and a worthy musical piece.

Assaf Vestin

There is so much great Italian prog that I'm always raving about it only to be asked by others where to start. Then it becomes very hard to think of one album that captures all of the many wonderful and unique aspects of the classic Italian album. This would have to be one of the top candidates to suggest to someone as an essential Italian album and one that covers most of the traits that make them special: creative songwriting fusing the rock, classical, and jazz genres; immaculate production with great attention to recording details; exceptional use of violins, flutes, and other classical elements; warm and passionate Italian vocals; and perhaps most importantly an unabashed willingness to project a most romantic style of music. Some will say that the Italian stuff can't compare to the best English or German music but I disagree. True, the big groups from those other countries achieved far great commercial success but does that necessarily mean they are better? Or perhaps just different, with the luxury of more access and distribution that has allowed them to be more ingrained in our minds as the standard bearers of quality prog? The sheer beauty of "Il Tempo Della Gioia" would suggest it has a place amongst the greatest prog titles from anywhere in my humble opinion.
The album opens with a sweeping and gorgeous piano melody in "Villa Doria Pamphili" joined by acoustic guitar and violin. Achingly beautiful. The vocals begin and are very good by any standards. At 2:30 there is a unexpected crescendo. Then after another verse the song ends with such a wistful, haunting piano. What an opener!
"A Forma Di" begins softly with building violin and then flute and piano, the violins being tense and nervous while the other instruments are contrasted by a sense of calm. Around halfway we get some wordless vocals in a choir form. Then what I believe is a harpsichord adds an elegant feel before the song fades out.
The title track is next with vocals right away proceeding into somewhat jazzy waters. We get some trippy keyboards and operatic sounding vocals. Bass and percussion provide a solid backdrop here and we get a small taste of some nice guitar. The last part of the song begins to sound like an Italian version of Relayer's "Sound Chaser." But make no mistake, this band was not trying to mimic Yes or Genesis or Floyd, they made their own sound with this release.
"Un Giorno Un Amico" features some fiery violin playing in the first half of this near 10 minute prog gem. If you're waiting for things to get conventional, they won't. This track is just about exploration and emotion. After some vocals the second half opens up more space for some nice solos from several instruments. Again the combination of jazz/rock and classical elements is seamless. The sound quality is pretty decent for '74.
"E Accaduto una Notte" begins with choral voices, flutes, and acoustics before the lead vocal begins, accompanied by piano and distinct bass. The mood gets decidedly dark as the strings and piano take on a sinister tone. The album ends with a trippy build-up to an explosion of some type. So much for the happy ending! It is true as some have noted that QVL was "ending challenged." Many of their songs just stop abruptly or in some unimaginative way but for me it just can't negate all the things they do right.
The Japanese mini lp-sleeve features incredible sound and a perfect reproduction of one of the most amazing gatefolds I've ever seen. A deliciously abstract painting graces the outside while the inside art would suggest maybe a romantic road trip spent writing music among other things? How should I know, just a guess! Whatever the point of the art, it works magically with the music to convey the feeling that these were men reveling in a most creative and heady time in their lives.
An essential title for a collection desiring any exposure to the Italian scene, the masterpiece of QVL. Also recommended to fans of classical music. Their debut may be more rocking and accessible, but this one is where the real magic is! 4 ½ stars rounding up on this one.

Finnforest

If someone one day dares to ask me the reasons why I like prog-rock I'll say nothing and simply show 'A forma di.' and tell the person: this song is like the air that I breathe, the water that I drink, the food that keeps me stood. the dreams I beg to come when I sleep. Yes, this precious and unique piece can be heard inside this fabulous album named "Il Tempo Della Gioia" and if you're looking for a real gioia, here is the so much desirable and rare diamond. But this release by QVL has not a sole star that shines alone; it's only the most refulgent body amid other four that form a nebula of majestic and resplendent asters shaped like songs.
Now, QUELLA VECCHIA LOCANDA create their proper big-bang with everything contained in their debut album but improved largely. Considering the deeds QVL have done in this album to dub them as a mere band sounds a bit unfair - they act as an orchestra, with a variety of instruments, exquisite arrangements, celestial choirs and amazing vocals. Even the cover artwork is worth a sonnet.
'Villa Doria Pamphilli' is a blessed one opening track with poignant violin intro and half-hearted vocals, framed by vigorous piano and sweet guitar accompaniment - words are pruned in harmony with music to embody a charming and enchanted atmosphere. 'A forma di.' shines on brightly as mentioned before, nothing to say additionally except to recommend the healing effects of listening to it.
'Il tempo della gioia', the title-track is a wonderful piece-of-art, some tunes are incredible findings that still astonish even 1/3 of a century have passed. As the song runs more and more surprises are presented thanks to the seductive and ever-changing orchestration. The lengthy 'Giorno, un amico' maintains the highness that seems to characterize this album in its entirety. 'É accaduto una notte' displays portions of previous tracks but as an ender holds its own strong musical personality.
One last and sorrowful word: it's a shame that QVL closed their doors after producing and gifting us with this marvelous album. I stay tightly hoping that some news come from them to resume the work and if an eventual new album could reach half the quality of this one, I'll be satisfied anyway. Concluding, the obvious rate: a masterpiece.

Guigo Atkingani

Well I never dreamed i'd like this as much as their debut, but after reading several people hint that this one isn't that accessible, and to give it lots of time, I took the advise and have been won over. Thanks Finnforest. The debut was raw and edgy with a rocking blues flavour just the way I like it. On this one they've taken away the rough edges, and added more complexity to this more classical and at times jazzy inspired music. This is beautiful and subtle music that takes time to appreciate. I have no doubt that this band is one of the best to come out of Italy.
"Villa Doria Pamphili" opens with piano as acoustic guitar joins in this pastoral setting. Violin a minute in as piano stops. Fragile vocals before 2 minutes as a fuller sound follows that is so uplifting. Back to vocals and acoustic guitar as the contrasts continue. Simply a gorgeous song. "A Forma Di" starts off quietly with faint piano and violin, but it's building. Vocal melodies join in around 2 1/2 minutes as the sound continues to build. Harpischord is added. Amazing sound before 4 minutes that is very classical. Brilliant track. "Il Tempo Della Gioia" opens with expressive vocals as piano and violin support him. It picks up before 1 1/2 minutes. Love the drumming ! Some guitar before 2 1/2 minutes. It's better later. Vocal melodies come in as piano plays on. An absolutely beautiful sound 4 minutes in as piano, flute, violin and drums all create wonder. Vocals are back 5 1/2 minutes in.
"Un Giorno, Un Amico" opens with piano as violin drops in quickly. The tempo picks up a minute in as drums become prominant. Vocal melodies join in. A violin solo before 3 minutes. Clarinet comes in before 4 1/2 minutes with bass as it has calmed right down. Drums start to build to a crisp sound. Piano then violin follow. Vocals 7 minutes in are reserved. Guitar for the first time lets loose. Thankyou ! It does again after 8 minutes. Clarinet 9 minutes in. "E Accaduto Una Notte" opens with choir-like melodies. Acoustic guitar and flute take over in this beautiful section starting 1 1/2 minutes in. Vocals before 3 minutes as harpsichord, piano, bass and drums become prominant. Violin 4 minutes in. Vocal melodies 5 1/2 minutes in then vocals. Fuller sound 6 1/2 minutes in. An explosion ends it.
If you can get both of their albums do so. I think it's a matter of taste as to which one you'll like better. Both are excellent.

John Davie

Absolutely Gorgeous Symphonic Italian Prog
Quella Vecchia Locanda's Il Tempo Della Gioia is the first RPI album I will review, because it is simply one of the best pickups I've had since coming to the Prog Archives. Although I am a relative RPI newbie, I have actually sampled a fair bit of Italian Prog on internet radio, and even purchased one album by Le Orme prior to ordering this one. But despite the language and unlike other Italian works, this album's brilliance transcends its genre. Played alongside Genesis, Anglagard, Yes, or King Crimson, this album easily holds up. It is simply brilliant and should have a place in any prog library.
After making some pretty hefty claims, a little justification seems in order. First of all, this band is true symphonic rock, that is, a fusion of rock and classical music. Many, if not all, of the musicians are classically trained in both performance and composition. The primary instruments are piano, violin, flute, clarinet over a traditional electric bass and trapset rhythm section. There is actually a little electric guitar, but it is a minor voice in the mix. Still, there is clearly plenty of rock emotion in this music, plenty of experimentation, and large doses of dynamic risk-taking.
The compositional component is what sets this above so many others like it. The choral voices are extremely complex. The interweaving lines of the winds are orchestrated better than any other album of its kind. Like Anglagard or Larks' Tongues KC, dissonance, shading, and use of space is abundant. QVL use so many different colors and sounds, there are surprises and novel sonic experiences up until the very end of the (too short) album. The final track is simply astounding. These aren't rockers or amateurs dabbling in more complex music. These are professionally trained players making music that crosses into rock.
I found this album by asking for suggestions for the most symphonic, that is, classically influenced and meticulously composed, albums in prog. I got tips that became a list of amazing albums. This one is the best. Given the fact that I believe that the fusion of classical music and prog is one of the pillars of what prog is, I believe this album not only belongs among our list of masterpiece albums, but among the elites like Hybris, Si Avait, and Larks' Tongues.

Jay Brieler

The second of only two studio albums from Quella Vecchia Locanda, both highly regarded amongst RPI fans, Il Tempo Della Gioia saw the band in the main leaving behind the more bombastic moments of their eponymous debut and expanding more on the classical influences evident on that release.
Il Tempo Della Gioia is largely a more mellow affair, classical influences well to the fore, occasional jazz flourishes with pastoral moments alongside occasional forays into more high octane territory. Fans of PFM should find much to enjoy here on an album lacking any real highs and lows. That's not meant in a derogatory sense as it's an album maintaining a high standard throughout. The organic production leaves plenty of space for the music to breath with pleasing use of classical instrumentation such as violin, flute, clarinet, acoustic guitar and piano underpinned by a rock rhythm section and fine vocals. Electric guitar takes more of a back seat and the predominant keyboard is piano.
No better or worse than their excellent debut then, it's down to personnel preference (I have a slight preference for their debut), both close to the top of the pile of important RPI releases. It's a shame they only released two albums as with the talent on display here, had they continued they could have been up there with the big three of PFM, Banco and Le Orme.

Paul Fowler

The last of the two classic albums that this band released in the early seventies and this one is from 1974. Considered a must have album by anyone who has a leaning towards good progressive music and not just fans of Italian Progressive music. Like most bands from the continent they have a distinct classical influence which makes for a wonderful diversity in Progessive music from Europe and Quella Vecchia Locanda certainly display this with rock and a slight Jazz Influence.
Il Tempo Della Gioia ( The season of Joy) is dismissed as the 2nd best album often by this band but I find that this is as good as the self titled debut if not better and more distinctive as the band seemed to be truly heading into unknown territory with this release and the use of choirs and that violin giving the feel to this album which although the violinist ( Claudio Felice) has changed from the previous album he still leaves his own mark as Donald Lax did on the first. Flute is also used and does not sound as similar to Jethro Tull as it did on the first release
The album commences with the track Villa Doria Pamphli and the keyboard opens this tune and finishes it off on its own and is one nice track with vocals and if Symphonic is what you want well that is precisely the description in the high moments of this composition.but it is the the 2nd one for me ( A Forma Di ) when this album heads for the stratosphere with only vocals used without words and that violin, wonderful stuff in the car whilst driving and what a feel.On the title track from the album you relly hear some great vocals opening the song which quickly heads into prog heaven with that choir again a time change what more could you want. There are five tracks on the album and not one poor one and even with the last song E` Accaduto Uma Notte the album goes out with a bang.
Although only running at just under 34 minutes to quote another great fan and mentor for me of this genre. Micky......All Killer No Filler
I wonder what the 3rd album may have been?

Matthew

Quella Vecchia Locanda's second and last album "Il tempo della gioia" (The time of joy) was recorded in 1974 with a different line up featuring veterans Giorgio Giorgi (vocals, flute), Massimo Roselli (piano, organ mellotron, moog, vocals), Patrick Traina (drums, percussion) and Raimondo Maria Cocco (electric and acoustic guitars, vocals) plus Claudio Filice (who replaced the American violinst Donald Lax) and Massimo Giorgi (who took the place of bassist Romualdo Coletta). The strong classical influences are still there but overall sound is slightly different from the eponymous debut album and features a jazzier and darker atmosphere. The art cover is magnificent and tries to describe the content of this work where music and words loom nightmares and dreams.
The intense and dreamy opener "Villa Doria Pamhili" begins with a beautiful piano pattern, then acoustic guitar and violin delicately come in and melodic vocals try to describe the feelings that you could experience going to a pop festival in the early seventies... A sweet harmony plays with nature, soaring and gliding on the grass while joy makes people vibrating...
"A forma di..." (In the shape of...) is a classical inspired short instrumental that could remind of "Traccia" by Banco del Mutuo Soccorso. It starts softly, as if the music was coming from a distant place... Violin, counter-bass, flutes and harpsichord, then soaring vocals used as an instrument to colour some melodic lines... Amazing track!
The title track is more complex. It begins with a delicate and romantic melody. A sundown on the sea, a magic carpet ride towards new horizons... Then a sudden change of rhythm and mood brings in dark shadows... "It's like if you were beating the time of joy / And never the time of pain / Your smile is already there... Suddenly the air is trembling / Fear has already taken you...". Some vocal passages could remind of the gloomy atmospheres of "Ys" by Il Balletto di Bronzo, while others recall of Hans, PFM's merchant of dreams, and of his coach... A very peculiar dream full of colours and musical nuances.
"Un giorno, un amico" (A day, a friend) features jazzy touches and violin rides, delicate calm passages and fiery ones. It's a long and complex track full of changes and colours. Take a deep breath and imagine to run into the sun, just to find out new sparks of life and old fears, hidden words and thoughts concealed in a secret jewel-case...
The last track "E' accaduto una notte" (It happened one night) is dark and gloomy. It describes in music and words a nightmare. It begins with a choir setting a gothic atmosphere, then the music goes on quirkily while lyrics depict a snake crawling through the rocks in the night, a car falling into the void, bad omens and vanishing hopes... "A roar bursts out / A flash of fire / That suffocates voices already put out".
On the whole a really good album even if some passages could sound a little bit naives and derivative. Nonetheless essential in every Italianprog collection!

Andrea Parentin

Ufffff, me cansé de copiar textos que alaban a éste disco, aunque ojo que hay algunos amargos a los que no les gusta un carajo esta obra, así que escuchen el video y vea de que lado están...
Desde mi punto de vista, una de las mejores obras del rock progresivo italiano, sin dudas... Maravilloso!