A charming melodic progressive rock with large instrumental parts. Finally reprinted on 180 gr. vinyl with digital remastered sound. Gatefold sleeve.
A little known group, I Leoni, from Tortona (Piemonte, north-west Italy), had a short career that has just left us two singles and an album, all very rare, produced between 1970 and 1971.
They were a trio, led by keyboardist/singer Carlo Riccardi, but all their compositions were by another Riccardi, Enrico, that was not a member of the group and was later an important producer (with popular Italian artists like Patty Pravo and Loredana Bertè).
Despite being mostly in the melodic prog field, the ten-track album includes some good instrumental breaks, like in the hypnotic Lo stregone (with organ, percussion and latin-sung vocals in a Jacula style) and interesting progressive arrangements like in Jena ridens or the closing Il tramonto.
After the release of the album and the second single, the group brought its line-up to a four-piece with guitarist Paolo Stella and a good concert activity, until they broke up at the beginning of 1973. (Augusto Croce)
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