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Mary Newsletter — Nuove Lettere
((Not on label) MN001, 1994, CD)

by Peter Thelen, Published 1997-05-01

Nuove Lettere Cover art

A five-piece from Vigevano, Mary Newsletter forges their sound from strong folk and classical roots and the sensibility of the best seventies Italian progressive rock using dual guitars, keys, bass / flute, and drums, with guests on violin and bouzouki — the latter adding a distinctly Mediterranean feel to many of the songs. Vocals are handled by guitarist Massimilliano Galbani and drummer Mario Brame, and most lyrics are sung in their native Italian. Indeed, this album sounds very much in the spirit of the Italian 70s: delicate folk stylings are used right alongside a somewhat heavier rock sound, with great solo work on flute and violin — and guitar of course; in some ways Nuove Lettere is comparable to the output of bands like Banco, PFM, and Celeste on their early releases — while at other times one might be reminded of the earliest albums by Tull with their blues and jazz influences. Keyboard sounds tend to be vintage until we get to the 13-minute closer, "Thoughts," which occasionally sounds like it might have been recorded by a 90s lineup. A good one that fans of classic styled Italian progressive will want to check out.

Filed under: New releases, Issue 12, 1994 releases

Related artist(s): Mary Newsletter

 

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