Thursday 9 June 2016
Saturday 17 January 2015
Monday 12 January 2015
Sunday 4 January 2015
Wednesday 12 November 2014
Friday 7 November 2014
6 November 2014
Though this is Italian multi-instrumentalist De Angelis’s first solo
LP, his credentials are long and impressive. He’s made soundtracks,
produced many indie albums, worked for production companies, and even
run his own Rome-based recording studio and label. Given his technical
proclivity, it’s no surprise that The River is such an
expansive, mammoth-sounding album; it feels like it could accompany a
stage or theatrical production. In keeping with De Angelis’s main
inspiration of ‘60s and ‘70s prog-rock, it’s a 69-minute “concept” LP,
designed to be experienced in one sitting – indeed, songs are often
stitched together by samples of radio static, party conversations,
audience applause, thunderstorms, and frogs croaking/crickets chirping. However, The River leans more toward prog’s less experimental, song-based 1980s phase – think of that era’s Pink Floyd, Rush, or Genesis LPs. With its delay-drenched guitars and programmed rhythms (De Angelis plays everything except drums, which are handled by Cristiano Micalizzi), the album’s instrumentation often exhibits that genre’s extravagant and exaggerated embellishments. But De Angelis’s presentation is passionate, not pretentious, and closer listens reveal more subtle, down-to-earth pleasures. Forceful, dramatic singer Marcello Catalano adorns each song with his lavish, wide-ranging voice. He effortlessly adjusts to De Angelis’s shifting musical moods, and is ably supported by a quintet of soulful female backing vocalists.
De Angelis’s plush, detailed arrangements and melodic pop songwriting touches are evident throughout. “Tell Me Why” features delicately-patted hand toms and an exuberant chorus, “Black Stare” sports a gorgeous, tender piano melody and a murky, pulsing rhythm, and “Snowbound” marries a ringing acoustic with dramatic keyboards and Catalano’s airborne, elevating croon. Even “Fly High,” with its syrupy “Don’t be afraid to fly high” refrain, has a comforting ambience, intricate textures, and soaring vocals (especially Désirée Petrocchi’s and Simona Rizzi’s succulent backing coos). Elsewhere, “What Do You Feel Now?” and “Our Trail of Tears” combine glistening guitars with spacey synths; the latter is a newly-arranged, Catalano-written “bonus track” dating from De Angelis’s early ‘80s first band.
His creativity is most apparent on the standout “Regrets.” It opens with another lovely, candlelit piano trill, as a gentle clock ticks over a near-inaudible radio in the background. Catalano’s soft, near-whispered vocal ambles in, complemented by De Angelis’s ghostly Chapman Stick (he’s one of the few Italians who play it) and resonant Dobro. The tranquil vibe gives way to what sounds like a keyboard-replicated horn section, followed by a decadent dose of squealing, electronically-treated ‘80s-era guitars and Catalano’s now-anguished, spiraling pipes. And just when you think he’s going to end the song with another quiet fade-out of sampled static, De Angelis instead hits you with a blasting, Marillion-esque guitar solo crescendo.
Despite its “concept album” tag, The River’s lyrics don’t follow a concrete or whimsical storyline – i.e., there are no pinball wizards or Unwinese-speaking comedians here. Instead, De Angelis’s soul-searching, solemn words are pensive and ambiguous, and open to interpretation. They add yet another intriguing wrinkle to this challenging, rewarding album. (marcodeangelis.com, theriver.it)
Friday 19 September 2014
Wednesday 10 September 2014
Sunday 10 August 2014
Wednesday 6 August 2014
Wednesday 23 July 2014
A great review for The River on "KOID9" Magazine
On a déjà pléthore de nouvogroupitaliens chaque trimestre, vl'a t'y pas qu'on a aussi
des multinstrumentistitaliens par-dessus le marché maintenant ! Blague à part, le sieur
Marrco De Angelis n'est pas un débutant, alignant un CV long comme un jour sans pain
où il a notamment bossé depuis 15 ans comme ingénieur du son et producteur.
Il possède aussi son propre studio d'enregistrement et est capable de jouer de
la guitare, des claviers, de la basse et même du Chapman stick ! C'est toutefois la
première fois qu'il se lance dans l'exercice du disque avec ce concept de 68' sur la dualité
de la vie titré "The River : Both Sides Of The Story". Il fait tout ou presque puisqu'il a eu
l'intelligence de confier les deux postes clefs que sont le chant à Marcello Catalano et la
batterie à Cristiano Micallizzi et de s'adjoindre pas moins de 4 choristes féminines.
Dès l'introduction (après 1' de bruitages radiophoniques déjà archi entendus par
ailleurs), on est happé par un son superbe (encore bravo !) et par cette approche d'un
prog-rock très moderne. On est souvent plus proche d'un Pink Flloyd, Allan Parsons Project
ou Peter Gabriel solo que d'un Genesis, si vous voyez ce que je veux direl Le chant
(anglais) est absolument sublime, puissant et clair. La batterie ne souffre d'aucun problème
de programmations ou d'amateurisme, ce qui nous change des multi instrumentistes
solitaires en général peu soigneux sur ce point. Le disque est une sorte de mélange
assez réussi entre prog dynamique avec le superbe titre d'ouverture "Tell Me Why", néoprog
"Black Stare", morceaux franchement réminiscents de la bande à Gilmour (le
toucher de guitare et le son est strictement identiquel il a du tomber dedans quand il
était petit !) "Regrets", "Take It Away" (qu'on croirait tiré d'un Floyd avec le père Waters au
chant), " Fly High" (même le titre fait référence au Floyd), voire de Neall Morrse
avec le magnifique titre conclusif "Our Trail of Tears" et morceaux nettement plus typés
pop-rock comme "One Love", "This Time" ou encore "Snowbound" (rien à voir avec
Genesisl malheureusement !).
Alors c'est sûr que certains vont trouver ça un peu trop "sucré" et manquant de
"progressivité", mais je dois dire que j'ai personnellement trouvé le mélange
extrêmement bien dosé, même s'il est tout de même dommage d'avoir une structure
bicéphale et que l'artiste n'ait pas choisi de prendre plus de risque. Les parties de guitare
sont cependant sublimes de bout en bout (il faut dire que le gus a touché son premier
instrument à l'âge de 1 0 ans !). J'ai toutefois trouvé que ça manquait un peu de Chapman
Stick il y en a mais il n'est pas franchement mis en valeur car il est un des rares joueurs
de cet instrument en Italie. Le 12e titre, un bonus, le plus long titre de l'album (9:21 ) est
en réalité un ancien morceau de son tout premier groupe des années 80, réarrangé et
avec des paroles retouchées. Le style est légèrement plus pop, pas désagréable, mais
sa soit disant longue durée ne se justifie pas: en fait il dure juste 6' et, après 1'15 de
silence, on entend des bruitages radio et un speech en anglais d'un musicien qui remercie
lors d'une remise de prix en parlant de sa découverte de la musique dans sa jeunesse
(est ce l'artiste ? je dirais que oui... mais le mystère reste entier !). A noter un livret de
qualité sur du papier à fort grammage (c'est assez rare pour le souligner) contenant
toutes les paroles et quelques jolies photos.
Je conseille toutefois d'écouter avant d'acheterl
Renaud Oualid
des multinstrumentistitaliens par-dessus le marché maintenant ! Blague à part, le sieur
Marrco De Angelis n'est pas un débutant, alignant un CV long comme un jour sans pain
où il a notamment bossé depuis 15 ans comme ingénieur du son et producteur.
Il possède aussi son propre studio d'enregistrement et est capable de jouer de
la guitare, des claviers, de la basse et même du Chapman stick ! C'est toutefois la
première fois qu'il se lance dans l'exercice du disque avec ce concept de 68' sur la dualité
de la vie titré "The River : Both Sides Of The Story". Il fait tout ou presque puisqu'il a eu
l'intelligence de confier les deux postes clefs que sont le chant à Marcello Catalano et la
batterie à Cristiano Micallizzi et de s'adjoindre pas moins de 4 choristes féminines.
Dès l'introduction (après 1' de bruitages radiophoniques déjà archi entendus par
ailleurs), on est happé par un son superbe (encore bravo !) et par cette approche d'un
prog-rock très moderne. On est souvent plus proche d'un Pink Flloyd, Allan Parsons Project
ou Peter Gabriel solo que d'un Genesis, si vous voyez ce que je veux direl Le chant
(anglais) est absolument sublime, puissant et clair. La batterie ne souffre d'aucun problème
de programmations ou d'amateurisme, ce qui nous change des multi instrumentistes
solitaires en général peu soigneux sur ce point. Le disque est une sorte de mélange
assez réussi entre prog dynamique avec le superbe titre d'ouverture "Tell Me Why", néoprog
"Black Stare", morceaux franchement réminiscents de la bande à Gilmour (le
toucher de guitare et le son est strictement identiquel il a du tomber dedans quand il
était petit !) "Regrets", "Take It Away" (qu'on croirait tiré d'un Floyd avec le père Waters au
chant), " Fly High" (même le titre fait référence au Floyd), voire de Neall Morrse
avec le magnifique titre conclusif "Our Trail of Tears" et morceaux nettement plus typés
pop-rock comme "One Love", "This Time" ou encore "Snowbound" (rien à voir avec
Genesisl malheureusement !).
Alors c'est sûr que certains vont trouver ça un peu trop "sucré" et manquant de
"progressivité", mais je dois dire que j'ai personnellement trouvé le mélange
extrêmement bien dosé, même s'il est tout de même dommage d'avoir une structure
bicéphale et que l'artiste n'ait pas choisi de prendre plus de risque. Les parties de guitare
sont cependant sublimes de bout en bout (il faut dire que le gus a touché son premier
instrument à l'âge de 1 0 ans !). J'ai toutefois trouvé que ça manquait un peu de Chapman
Stick il y en a mais il n'est pas franchement mis en valeur car il est un des rares joueurs
de cet instrument en Italie. Le 12e titre, un bonus, le plus long titre de l'album (9:21 ) est
en réalité un ancien morceau de son tout premier groupe des années 80, réarrangé et
avec des paroles retouchées. Le style est légèrement plus pop, pas désagréable, mais
sa soit disant longue durée ne se justifie pas: en fait il dure juste 6' et, après 1'15 de
silence, on entend des bruitages radio et un speech en anglais d'un musicien qui remercie
lors d'une remise de prix en parlant de sa découverte de la musique dans sa jeunesse
(est ce l'artiste ? je dirais que oui... mais le mystère reste entier !). A noter un livret de
qualité sur du papier à fort grammage (c'est assez rare pour le souligner) contenant
toutes les paroles et quelques jolies photos.
Je conseille toutefois d'écouter avant d'acheterl
Renaud Oualid
Here it is, a new review for The River on Big Bang Magazine.
Bien que ce The River - Both sides of the story soit son premier opus, Marco De Angelis n'est pas un musicien nèpphyte, bien au contraire mème puisqu' il est un ingènieur du son rèputè de l'aure cotèdes Alpes.
Mais aprés de nombreuses années passées derrière ses consoles, il a eu envie de s'incarner pour passer de l'autre coté du miroir et done de mettre à profit ses qualités de multi-instrumentiste.
particuliéremente actif et enclin à faire entendre sa musique aux quatre coins du monde progressif, De Angelis a concocté un album à la production étincelante et dont la teneur générale renvoie bizarrement davantage à l'Angleterre qu'à l'Italie.
The River est en effet une oeuvre soignée qui s'inscrit prioritairement dans la démarche floydienne de Roger Waters, mais qui s'avére simultanément soucieuse de se parer d'ambiances et de mélodies facilment identifiables. C'est cette volonté, que certains pourront trouver réductrice, qui favorice au contraire l'affection que l'on porte a cette musique sans artifice ni prétenction.
Ce concept-album, porté par le chant élégant de Marcello Catalano et ses vwlléités pop-prog est une oeuvre aux atours clair-obscur, comme si RPWL, Tears For Fear, Peter Gabriel (pour les touches world-music) et done Pink Floyd (au final, tout autant celui de The Wall que de The Division Bell, notamment puor la guitare 'gilmourienne')unissaient leur personnalité en un syncrétisme des plus festifs.
Les 11 morceaux de The River, souvent reliés entre eux, révélent ainsi des arrangements soignés et une volonté de faire glisser leurs développements sans se soucier du dogme progressif.
Vu le talent flagrant de Marco De Angelis, on ne manquera pas au final de regretter ces références par trop identifiables, mais le corollaire de ce regret est bien sur la certitude de voir germer dans la futur un album débarassé de ces scories.
Olivier Pelletant
Wednesday 16 July 2014
Marco De Angelis is an Italian sound engineer, producer and multi-instrumentalist that has been recording songs ranging between cross-over prog, classic rock with hints of pop music for years. It took me a while before writing about his debut album, The River: Both Sides Of The Story, and the first thing I thought after my first listening of it was that this is a tricky album to listen to: If you're expecting a classic prog rock album, well, you’ll probably think "crap". It happened to me. But I played it again and again and, yes, the music is actually quite good. The River: Both Sides Of The Story has numerous prog rock moments but for sure it doesn't fall in this music genre.
The River: Both Sides Of The Story is a concept album that, as the title itself suggests, deals with the duality of life: good and bad, male and female, night and day, and so on. De Angelis played the main part of the instruments on this album and special guests of the record are the drummer Cristiano Micalizzi and the singer Marcello Catalano. Their contribution is notable and together the three artists created an album that is well performed – I particularly appreciate the electric guitar parts.
My overall opinion about The River: Both Sides Of The Story is that it’s for sure a nice and enjoyable début album but due to the lack of a profound sound it didn't conquer me. I liked the prog rock moments that are mixed so often with the several pop oriented tracks.
The album kicks off with 'Tell Me Why' and you are already into the music world of the Italian artist. The blend of prog and pop is evident and constant throughout the eleven movements of the album. From the first tracks the artist and his band show to have full potential to compose some good progressive rock. And, in my opinion, that’s the direction they should look at. ‘Never Look Back’, ‘What Do you Feel Now?’ and ‘Take It Away’ are the proff of what I’m saying.
Their execution is perfect and they demonstrate the ability the artist has in the prog rock sound. Music loses its complexity and deeper sound in songs like ‘Fly High’ that passes without leaving a mark and if you are looking for a more complex music, this is not the right album for you.
The River: Both Sides Of The Story contains nice melodies, great instrumental passages and lots of twists and turns. The combination of the instruments with the voice voices of Marcello Catalano adds an extra dimension to the music. For sure the album demonstrates the fact that Marco De Angelis has the talent to do something more and even better.
What can we do? let’s keep an eye on him!
Saturday 12 July 2014
Friday 11 July 2014
A new review for The River - Both sides of the story on HIGHLANDS MAGAZINE
Thanks to Didier Gonzalez
THE RIVER est le premier projet musical du producteur et compositeur italien Marco DE ANGELIS. Celui ci évolue cependant depuis 15 ans dans la musique en tant que producteur indépendant et compositeur. Il a notamment composé pour le cinéma et la publicité Avec THE RIVER, Il joue pratiquement de tous les instruments (guitares, stick, basse, claviers... Seul Cristiano MICALIZZI vient lui porter main forte à la batterie. Pour le chant, il a fait appel à son ami Marcello CATALANO. Celui ci chante en anglais de fort belle manière. Il a un timbre proche de celui de Paul CARRACK et une palette vocale assez large. Il est soutenu par un quintet choral féminin dénommé VOCINTRANSITO. Le concept de cet album parle de la dualité dans l’ensemble que ce soit le bien et le mal, la vie et la mort ou l'homme et la femme. L'album, de 68 minutes comprend 10 titres + 1 bonus.
Après une courte introduction composée d'un extrait radio, les premiers riffs de Tell
Me Why (5'21) titre assez rock des années 80 accompagnés de choleurs apparaissent. Le chant est clair. Les vocaux dominent d'ailleurs ce morceau. Quelques gouttes de pluie et notes de piano lancent Black Stare (5'04). La musique monte doucement avec l'arrivée du chant. Les sonorités de synthétiseurs et le chant font penser à du Peter Gabriel mêlé à un refrain plus FM. Le chant revient pour le final ainsi qu'un solo de guitare. Les sonorités se font plus pop-rock sur One Love (5'04) entre le GENESIS des dernières années et MIKE AND THE MECHANICS. Quelques digressions instrumentales nous sont proposées De nouveaux bruitages et une guitare acoustique démarre Snowbound (4'47). La voix claire de Marcello CATALANO vient se poser accompagnée de quelques cordes. Le refrain est encore très FM. Un petit solo de guitare termine le morceau. Never Look Back (4'26) repart sur des allures rock FM avec les choeurs de VOCINTRANSITO. La guitare prend des allures plus bluesy.
L'apparition d'une section de cuivre créée aux claviers sur This Time (6'31) ainsi que la section rythmique et le chant de Marcello CATALANO donnent à nouveau des allures plus que Gabrieliennes et world à ce titre. Il est cependant entrecoupé de plans floydiens. De nouveaux extraits de radio lancent Regrets (7'51) qui débute par un piano et un chant limpide. La musique prend ensuite plus d'ampleur et Marco DE ANGELIS se lance dans un solo gilmourien accompagné des choeurs. Les claviers sont assez symphoniques. Take It Away (6'28) propose un cross over entre MIKE AND THE MECHANICS et le PINK FLOYD des années 80 avec toutefois une rythmique plus chaloupée. What Do You Feel Now (6'12) débute par des synthétiseurs très présents et une guitare très planante. L'ambiance est ultra floydienne et sombre. Fly High (6'40) est beaucoup plus léger et aérien que son prédécesseur. Le titre bonus proposé se nomme Our Trail Of Tears. Celui-ci met superbement en valeur le chant de Marcello CATALANO mais aussi tous les instruments. Marco DE ANGELIS fait ici preuve de ses talents de producteurs qui sont indéniables. Le son est puissant et clair. Les compositions sont solides mais sans surprises et un peu trop easylistening. Elles sont surtout bourrées de références un peu trop évidentes.
13/20 Jean-Noël DE CASTILLO
Thanks to Didier Gonzalez
THE RIVER est le premier projet musical du producteur et compositeur italien Marco DE ANGELIS. Celui ci évolue cependant depuis 15 ans dans la musique en tant que producteur indépendant et compositeur. Il a notamment composé pour le cinéma et la publicité Avec THE RIVER, Il joue pratiquement de tous les instruments (guitares, stick, basse, claviers... Seul Cristiano MICALIZZI vient lui porter main forte à la batterie. Pour le chant, il a fait appel à son ami Marcello CATALANO. Celui ci chante en anglais de fort belle manière. Il a un timbre proche de celui de Paul CARRACK et une palette vocale assez large. Il est soutenu par un quintet choral féminin dénommé VOCINTRANSITO. Le concept de cet album parle de la dualité dans l’ensemble que ce soit le bien et le mal, la vie et la mort ou l'homme et la femme. L'album, de 68 minutes comprend 10 titres + 1 bonus.
Après une courte introduction composée d'un extrait radio, les premiers riffs de Tell
Me Why (5'21) titre assez rock des années 80 accompagnés de choleurs apparaissent. Le chant est clair. Les vocaux dominent d'ailleurs ce morceau. Quelques gouttes de pluie et notes de piano lancent Black Stare (5'04). La musique monte doucement avec l'arrivée du chant. Les sonorités de synthétiseurs et le chant font penser à du Peter Gabriel mêlé à un refrain plus FM. Le chant revient pour le final ainsi qu'un solo de guitare. Les sonorités se font plus pop-rock sur One Love (5'04) entre le GENESIS des dernières années et MIKE AND THE MECHANICS. Quelques digressions instrumentales nous sont proposées De nouveaux bruitages et une guitare acoustique démarre Snowbound (4'47). La voix claire de Marcello CATALANO vient se poser accompagnée de quelques cordes. Le refrain est encore très FM. Un petit solo de guitare termine le morceau. Never Look Back (4'26) repart sur des allures rock FM avec les choeurs de VOCINTRANSITO. La guitare prend des allures plus bluesy.
L'apparition d'une section de cuivre créée aux claviers sur This Time (6'31) ainsi que la section rythmique et le chant de Marcello CATALANO donnent à nouveau des allures plus que Gabrieliennes et world à ce titre. Il est cependant entrecoupé de plans floydiens. De nouveaux extraits de radio lancent Regrets (7'51) qui débute par un piano et un chant limpide. La musique prend ensuite plus d'ampleur et Marco DE ANGELIS se lance dans un solo gilmourien accompagné des choeurs. Les claviers sont assez symphoniques. Take It Away (6'28) propose un cross over entre MIKE AND THE MECHANICS et le PINK FLOYD des années 80 avec toutefois une rythmique plus chaloupée. What Do You Feel Now (6'12) débute par des synthétiseurs très présents et une guitare très planante. L'ambiance est ultra floydienne et sombre. Fly High (6'40) est beaucoup plus léger et aérien que son prédécesseur. Le titre bonus proposé se nomme Our Trail Of Tears. Celui-ci met superbement en valeur le chant de Marcello CATALANO mais aussi tous les instruments. Marco DE ANGELIS fait ici preuve de ses talents de producteurs qui sont indéniables. Le son est puissant et clair. Les compositions sont solides mais sans surprises et un peu trop easylistening. Elles sont surtout bourrées de références un peu trop évidentes.
13/20 Jean-Noël DE CASTILLO
Monday 23 June 2014
Monday 12 May 2014
The River Live Rehearsal
The making of a live show
The fourth excerpt from the documentary
"The River Live Rehearsal - The making of a live show"
Full HD 1080p
© 2014 all rights reserved
www.theriver.it
"This Time" from "The River - Both Sides Of The Story" CD
Live credits:
Marco De Angelis: Guitars
Marcello Catalano: Vocals
Cristiano Micalizzi: Drums
Francesco Luzzio: Bass
Max Ranucci: Guitars
Claudio Perini: Guitars
Marco Quagliozzi: Keyboards
Desirèe Petrocchi: Backing Vocals
Simona Rizzi: Backing Vocals
Cristiana Polegri: Backing Vocals
Director: A.M. Castagna
Sound Engineer: Fabrizio Facioni
Lighting Tech: Fabio Avallone
Cameramen: Luca Bucciarelli, A.M. Castagna, Antonio Procopio
Set Still: Pamela Pompei, Antonio Procopio, Alessandro Mondo, Umberto Bagni.
Backliner: Valter Bottoni
Recorded live @ Mamo Creativity Center - Rome
"The River Live Rehearsal - The making of a live show"
Full HD 1080p
© 2014 all rights reserved
www.theriver.it
"This Time" from "The River - Both Sides Of The Story" CD
Live credits:
Marco De Angelis: Guitars
Marcello Catalano: Vocals
Cristiano Micalizzi: Drums
Francesco Luzzio: Bass
Max Ranucci: Guitars
Claudio Perini: Guitars
Marco Quagliozzi: Keyboards
Desirèe Petrocchi: Backing Vocals
Simona Rizzi: Backing Vocals
Cristiana Polegri: Backing Vocals
Director: A.M. Castagna
Sound Engineer: Fabrizio Facioni
Lighting Tech: Fabio Avallone
Cameramen: Luca Bucciarelli, A.M. Castagna, Antonio Procopio
Set Still: Pamela Pompei, Antonio Procopio, Alessandro Mondo, Umberto Bagni.
Backliner: Valter Bottoni
Recorded live @ Mamo Creativity Center - Rome
Thursday 1 May 2014
The River Live Rehearsal
The making of a live show
The third excerpt from the documentary
"The River Live Rehearsal - The making of a live show"
Full HD 1080p
© 2014 all rights reserved
www.theriver.it
"This Time" from "The River - Both Sides Of The Story" CD
Live credits:
Marco De Angelis: Guitars
Marcello Catalano: Vocals
Cristiano Micalizzi: Drums
Francesco Luzzio: Bass
Max Ranucci: Guitars
Claudio Perini: Guitars
Marco Quagliozzi: Keyboards
Desirèe Petrocchi: Backing Vocals
Simona Rizzi: Backing Vocals
Cristiana Polegri: Backing Vocals
Director: A.M. Castagna
Sound Engineer: Fabrizio Facioni
Lighting Tech: Fabio Avallone
Cameramen: Luca Bucciarelli, A.M. Castagna, Antonio Procopio
Set Still: Pamela Pompei, Antonio Procopio, Alessandro Mondo, Umberto Bagni.
Backliner: Valter Bottoni
Recorded live @ Mamo Creativity Center - Rome
"The River Live Rehearsal - The making of a live show"
Full HD 1080p
© 2014 all rights reserved
www.theriver.it
"This Time" from "The River - Both Sides Of The Story" CD
Live credits:
Marco De Angelis: Guitars
Marcello Catalano: Vocals
Cristiano Micalizzi: Drums
Francesco Luzzio: Bass
Max Ranucci: Guitars
Claudio Perini: Guitars
Marco Quagliozzi: Keyboards
Desirèe Petrocchi: Backing Vocals
Simona Rizzi: Backing Vocals
Cristiana Polegri: Backing Vocals
Director: A.M. Castagna
Sound Engineer: Fabrizio Facioni
Lighting Tech: Fabio Avallone
Cameramen: Luca Bucciarelli, A.M. Castagna, Antonio Procopio
Set Still: Pamela Pompei, Antonio Procopio, Alessandro Mondo, Umberto Bagni.
Backliner: Valter Bottoni
Recorded live @ Mamo Creativity Center - Rome
Review on Ruta66 magazine, Spain.
MARCO DE ANGELIS
THE RIVER: BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY
Autoeditado
THE RIVER: BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY
Autoeditado
Productor, compositor, arreglista y multiinstrumentista italiano, Marco de Angelis publica ahora su primer disco como solista, grabado en su propio estudio en Roma. Se trata de un álbum conceptual que tiene como eje principal la dualidad de la vida, aunque no hay un hilo narrativo como tal. Marco se encarga de casi todos los instrumentos (incluido el stick, que el gran Tony Levin hizo popular junto a King Crimson), mientras que Marcello Catalano lleva la voz principal, bastante lograda, y Cristiano Micalizzi se encarga de la batería. La música bascula entre un rock progresivo algo blando y un pop-rock decente. Los referentes son Peter Gabriel («Tell Me Why», con claras reminiscencias de «Come Talk to Me», o la atmosférica «Black Stare») y los Pink Floyd pos Roger Waters («One Love» parece inspirada en la floydiana «One Slip»). De hecho, algunas guitarras parecen tocadas por David Gilmour, como el bonito solo de «Regrets» o «What Do You Feel Now?» (con ecos del totémico «The Wall»). A pesar de que como álbum progresivo suena previsible, como disco de pop-rock tiene suficientes ganchos melódicos, como la citada «One Love» o «Fly High», que podría haber compuesto Neal Morse.
JORDI PLANAS
Tuesday 22 April 2014
The River Live Rehearsal
The making of a live show
The second excerpt from the documentary
"The River Live Rehearsal - The making of a live show"
Full HD 1080p
© 2014 all rights reserved
www.theriver.it
"Tell Me Why" from "The River - Both Sides Of The Story" CD
Live credits:
Marco De Angelis: Guitars
Marcello Catalano: Vocals
Cristiano Micalizzi: Drums
Francesco Luzzio: Bass
Max Ranucci: Guitars
Claudio Perini: Guitars
Marco Quagliozzi: Keyboards
Desirèe Petrocchi: Backing Vocals
Simona Rizzi: Backing Vocals
Cristiana Polegri: Backing Vocals
Director: A.M. Castagna
Sound Engineer: Fabrizio Facioni
Lighting Tech: Fabio Avallone
Cameramen: Luca Bucciarelli, A.M. Castagna, Antonio Procopio
Set Still: Pamela Pompei, Antonio Procopio, Alessandro Mondo, Umberto Bagni
Backliner: Valter Bottoni
Recorded live @ Mamo Creativity Center - Rome
Sunday 20 April 2014
A very nice interview with Justin Case Radio (Greece)
MARCO DE ANGELIS (Italy)
He
is one of the little chapman stick players of Italy with real prog
attitude, with a music diversity and personality. While he is an
accomplished musician, he regularly explores different genres and his
music is so bombastic as well as mellow at the same time! His last cd
("The river-Both sides of the story)
is one of the “let-to-be-widely-discovered” gems; a contemporary prog
cd with a music that lights the beacons towards a new eclectic mix of
styles with integrity, passion and tremendous creativity. Prog ladies
and gentlemen, MARCO DE ANGELIS from Rome, Italy; all yours, as the best
meal of the day!
Dear Marco, thank you very much for your participation in that interview! It’s our honor!
Where are you now? Where this interview finds you?
Home in Rome, working on the video editing of the documentary “The River Live Rehearsal – the making of a live show”
Home in Rome, working on the video editing of the documentary “The River Live Rehearsal – the making of a live show”
What a bio! How did you accomplish all those diverse things?
Time and passion.....
Time and passion.....
You
are a multi-instrumentalist while you are one out of few players
playing the chapman stick in Italy! I love TONY LEVIN on that, for
example!! Please tell us a few words about how and why you were
interested in playing more than one instruments.
Probably curiosity is the right word.... and the aim to be able to transform in music what you're feeling. Sometime you need to use different sound palette to do that.
Probably curiosity is the right word.... and the aim to be able to transform in music what you're feeling. Sometime you need to use different sound palette to do that.
You
were also in the music business as a sound engineer and you ran your
own studio for some time. How were those experiences? How much time did
you have to concentrate to the excellency of your instruments? How
helpful and effective is for anyone to tackle different musical roles
simultaneously (I am the one to say that I’m motivated by multiple roles
in my life, but this is not the same for everyone!)?
Reading the main traits of my biography you might think of a person totally unstable and on the verge of schizophrenia... I started studying classical guitar as a child. At age 18 I founded my first band that with various line ups accompanied me to my early 30. It was a wonderful time! In 1992 I opened my own recording studio, in business till 2012. During that time I reduced a lot of my time as a musician, mainly working as sound engineer and music producer, both in the studio and on tour. In my spare time, however, I have produced soundtracks for movies and a couple of my own cd project. Some of the songs featured in The River have seen their raw form at that time. Then in 2011 I returned to my first love ....being a musician. As usual ....... Both sides of the story.
I could make a parallel, with very little modesty, between me and the much more famous and talented Alan Parson ...
So, to answer your question I think that being confortable in the different stage of a musical production process is, on my personal view, very important. Making a good record is a very complex recipe. You have to have some good songs, the right musical arrangement and a objective producer's ear to achieve the result you hope to reach.
Reading the main traits of my biography you might think of a person totally unstable and on the verge of schizophrenia... I started studying classical guitar as a child. At age 18 I founded my first band that with various line ups accompanied me to my early 30. It was a wonderful time! In 1992 I opened my own recording studio, in business till 2012. During that time I reduced a lot of my time as a musician, mainly working as sound engineer and music producer, both in the studio and on tour. In my spare time, however, I have produced soundtracks for movies and a couple of my own cd project. Some of the songs featured in The River have seen their raw form at that time. Then in 2011 I returned to my first love ....being a musician. As usual ....... Both sides of the story.
I could make a parallel, with very little modesty, between me and the much more famous and talented Alan Parson ...
So, to answer your question I think that being confortable in the different stage of a musical production process is, on my personal view, very important. Making a good record is a very complex recipe. You have to have some good songs, the right musical arrangement and a objective producer's ear to achieve the result you hope to reach.
Could
you give us brief description for each song of this record? Also, is
that a thematic/conceptual record or a set of songs? And, if yes, what
is the concept?
Most of them talk about real life, mine or the people close to me. It's all about how your life can change in a minute. Sometime it's your own choice, sometimes are changes you have to face, even if you wouldn't want to. It can be easy as drink a glass of water, or it can be the hardest moment in your whole life. But it's real life. I think that most of the listener will find something familiar to them into each song.
Most of them talk about real life, mine or the people close to me. It's all about how your life can change in a minute. Sometime it's your own choice, sometimes are changes you have to face, even if you wouldn't want to. It can be easy as drink a glass of water, or it can be the hardest moment in your whole life. But it's real life. I think that most of the listener will find something familiar to them into each song.
Any plans for live sessions for the “The river…”?
Hopefully live shows 2014 and then next album.... probably 2015.
Hopefully live shows 2014 and then next album.... probably 2015.
You
really seem to have a solid and recognizable style,
playing-for-the-song attitude, but also a dynamic approach with more
freedom elements in your bass sound. How do you accomplish that?
To be honest I don't know.... I just play what I think is the right partiture for the songs I'm working on.... As you have said my main goal is to play-for-the-song. A good song with strong melody and the right musical arrangment is much way better that a mere "I'am-the-best-musician-ever"
To be honest I don't know.... I just play what I think is the right partiture for the songs I'm working on.... As you have said my main goal is to play-for-the-song. A good song with strong melody and the right musical arrangment is much way better that a mere "I'am-the-best-musician-ever"
I
learnt about you from your (first?) album “The river: Both side of the
story”. Your work on that show professionalism, maturity, quality,
goal-setting procedures and emotional variety. My favorites are “Fly
high”, “Our trail of tears”, “Regrets” and “Take it away”. What was your
approach on that record (and in other records too)?
Basically there is not a standard way for me to write or develop a project.
In the case of "The River", the live performance aspect has always been part of the writing process. At that time I was working as sound engineer for most of the major Musicals acts touring Italy. So the theatrical aspect of a concept album began to take form. I started to have the idea of musical with a concept, an image, a suggestion, that one of the river, to represent life, with the two river banks representing the dualism in which all human beings exist: a reality made up of good and evil, male and female, life and death, night and day. It is the river that we travel on and in which we identify ourselves, dragged through by the current and by the whims of chance.
After a while I thought that the idea of the musical would have been too tight for me because of the constraints imposed by a script. So I decided to move towards a more "conventional" rock show but mantaining the visual side of the original idea. I may mention some of the Peter Gabriel's gigs or, with the proper proportion, "The Wall". I have most of the visual aspect of the future show clear in my mind.
As for the themes and concepts, there is something autobiographicall in The River… but I won’t tell you what…(laugh)
Basically there is not a standard way for me to write or develop a project.
In the case of "The River", the live performance aspect has always been part of the writing process. At that time I was working as sound engineer for most of the major Musicals acts touring Italy. So the theatrical aspect of a concept album began to take form. I started to have the idea of musical with a concept, an image, a suggestion, that one of the river, to represent life, with the two river banks representing the dualism in which all human beings exist: a reality made up of good and evil, male and female, life and death, night and day. It is the river that we travel on and in which we identify ourselves, dragged through by the current and by the whims of chance.
After a while I thought that the idea of the musical would have been too tight for me because of the constraints imposed by a script. So I decided to move towards a more "conventional" rock show but mantaining the visual side of the original idea. I may mention some of the Peter Gabriel's gigs or, with the proper proportion, "The Wall". I have most of the visual aspect of the future show clear in my mind.
As for the themes and concepts, there is something autobiographicall in The River… but I won’t tell you what…(laugh)
Do you write lyrics?
Yes. Almost 90% of the lyrics on The River.
Yes. Almost 90% of the lyrics on The River.
Which
are your favorite music songs during your lifetime? Also, your
influences as a musician? Favorite, inspiring, records? And, what do you
listen to at this period?
You can find out the list in the question below.... All the records from those artist are into my iPod and I don't think I'll erase them for a long time...
You can find out the list in the question below.... All the records from those artist are into my iPod and I don't think I'll erase them for a long time...
What’s your personal philosophy (or mindset) in life? How do you overcome barriers and how do you use your strengths?
That's a good question... ;-) Maybe I didn't find it yet.
But live and follow your dream trying not to harm anybody around you could be a good philosopy to follow.
That's a good question... ;-) Maybe I didn't find it yet.
But live and follow your dream trying not to harm anybody around you could be a good philosopy to follow.
According
to your bio, you prefer the UK prog rock scene of the late 60‘s and
70’s. How do you see the contemporary prog scene or/and the prog scene
of 90’sa and 80’s to go back a little bit?
I grew up and start to play guitar listening to the UK's Rock - Prog band in the '70s (Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes but also Led zeppelin and Deep Purple on the hard side of the rock). It's been a sort of musical imprinting. So it's natural for me to use that kind of style in my writing process. I don't feel it like something to shame about. I don't try to hide it.... It's me!
There were some very good band and solo artist in the 80's as well like P. Gabriel (that I deeply love), Tears for Fears and U2 just to name few.
My preferences are not for the many groups that have the technique as primary quality. Particularly in the last decade prog scene. I mean, they are great musicians, no doubt. But I prefer something different... and you can easily understand what I mean reading the list above.
I grew up and start to play guitar listening to the UK's Rock - Prog band in the '70s (Pink Floyd, Genesis, Yes but also Led zeppelin and Deep Purple on the hard side of the rock). It's been a sort of musical imprinting. So it's natural for me to use that kind of style in my writing process. I don't feel it like something to shame about. I don't try to hide it.... It's me!
There were some very good band and solo artist in the 80's as well like P. Gabriel (that I deeply love), Tears for Fears and U2 just to name few.
My preferences are not for the many groups that have the technique as primary quality. Particularly in the last decade prog scene. I mean, they are great musicians, no doubt. But I prefer something different... and you can easily understand what I mean reading the list above.
You
also come from a prog country, from a historical point-of-view! Rock
Progressivo Italiano is a legendary music for all of us with endless
diamonds and gems! How is the Italian prog scene today? And the music in
Italy in general? How is life in Rome for a musician like you as well?
Well, as many things that had been "in vogue" in the past, Italian music and prog music in particular are not in "good health" at the moment. So I would say that it's not the right place where put your look at if you want to be a musician. That's why I have set my target abroad.
Well, as many things that had been "in vogue" in the past, Italian music and prog music in particular are not in "good health" at the moment. So I would say that it's not the right place where put your look at if you want to be a musician. That's why I have set my target abroad.
What is prog rock for you? And prog music in general, anyway? We think this is a concept and not a genre, as many believe.
I always loved to tell stories. Something that is not just a snapshot, a 3 minutes pop song is not the way I'm confortable with. I mean, there are bright diamonds in the pop music, nowaday as well as in the past decades. Beatles were incredible in doing that. But I prefer to bring my listener (and to be driven, when i listen to music) on a more complex path. That's prog music for me. A travel. Hopefully a good one ;-)
I always loved to tell stories. Something that is not just a snapshot, a 3 minutes pop song is not the way I'm confortable with. I mean, there are bright diamonds in the pop music, nowaday as well as in the past decades. Beatles were incredible in doing that. But I prefer to bring my listener (and to be driven, when i listen to music) on a more complex path. That's prog music for me. A travel. Hopefully a good one ;-)
Also,
what do you think about the future of prog rock and prog music in
general? Are there any ways for the betterment of its promotion through
internet and other means?
Who knows? For sure broadcast via internet is a great promotional way. I would say that the more radio stations like Justin Case there will be the better it is.
Who knows? For sure broadcast via internet is a great promotional way. I would say that the more radio stations like Justin Case there will be the better it is.
Is there any genre of music that you haven’t played yet and you’d like to play if you had the opportunity?
No. I know what I like..... and I play it.
No. I know what I like..... and I play it.
Tell
us a few things about some of your plans for the short- or the
long-term future. I hope to see you in Greece someday (we will be
definitely in touch with you about that!).
As I told you before, I'm working on the live show and I really hope to be there with all the music lovers who would want to be part of it.
As I told you before, I'm working on the live show and I really hope to be there with all the music lovers who would want to be part of it.
A message from your part for the listeners of JustIn Case Prog Radio and for all prog’n’rollers out there is…
Keep up the good music and when you find out a record you think is good enough, make a little effort and buy it.
Keep up the good music and when you find out a record you think is good enough, make a little effort and buy it.
Dear Marco, thanks a lot about answering those few (lol!!!!) questions!
With honor,
Demetris “All Around”
www.justincaseradio.com
Founder and Progducer
Tuesday 15 April 2014
The River Live Rehearsal
The making of a live show
"The River Live Rehearsal - The making of a live show"
Full HD 1080p
© 2014 all rights reserved
www.theriver.it
"Fly High" from "The River - Both Sides Of The Story" CD
Live credits:
Marco De Angelis: Guitars
Marcello Catalano: Vocals
Cristiano Micalizzi: Drums
Francesco Luzzio: Bass
Max Ranucci: Guitars
Claudio Perini: Guitars
Marco Quagliozzi: Keyboards
Desirèe Petrocchi: Backing Vocals
Simona Rizzi: Backing Vocals
Cristiana Polegri: Backing Vocals
Director: A.M. Castagna
Sound Engineer: Fabrizio Facioni
Lighting Tech: Fabio Avallone
Cameramen: Luca Bucciarelli, A.M. Castagna, Antonio Procopio
Set Still: Pamela Pompei, Antonio Procopio, Alessandro Mondo, Umberto Bagni
Backliner: Valter Bottoni
Recorded live @ Mamo Creativity Center - Rome
Sunday 6 April 2014
A GREAT review on the April issue of
Prog-Résiste magazine (Belgique)
The River - Both Sides of the Story
Auto-produit – 68’47 – ITA ‘13
Classic rock / Pop prog DP6-CB8
Auto-produit – 68’47 – ITA ‘13
Classic rock / Pop prog DP6-CB8
«Bon, on te l’a mis vu que tu n’étais pas là, tu écris juste cinq lignes et ce sera OK». Faut savoir que nos réunions plénières, qui sont avant tout des réunions de travail même si elles ont gauloises, comportent plusieurs étapes : debriefing du numéro qui vient de sortir, préparation de la table des matières du suivant… et une criée haute en couleurs, animée par Alain Quaniers, pour attribuer les nombreuses promos qu’aucun d’entre nous n’a sélectionnées. Autant dire a) qu’il y a beaucoup de canassons à se répartir, et b) qu’il vaut mieux être présent, faute de quoi on hérite d’une partie de l’écurie. Sauf que… pour le coup, j’ai hérité d’un pur-sang! Né en 1962, Marco de Angel is est un gakifétou, entendez : il joue de la guitare, des claviers, de la basse, du Chapman Stick, il compose, il est ingénieur du son et producteur, possède son propre studio à Rome, et vénère la musique progressive des années 60 et 70. Ça garantit l’expérience, mais quid de la qualité musicale? Voilà, donc, je m’installe, prêt à taper mes cinq lignes vite fait, quand d’un coup mes mains s’éloignent du clavier tandis que je me renverse sur mon siège. Mais c’est très beau ça! Une intro à la guitare et aux claviers sur des accords lumineux, des choeurs à la Moon Safari, c’est Tell Me. Accroché je suis, d’autant plus que le son est superbe : auto-produit, oui, mais du travail de pro! Je ne dérocherai que pour appuyer sur la touche «Eject» à la fin du douzième morceau et prendre une respiration de bien-être. Absolument rien à jeter la-dedans. Je vous cite au hasard : One Love, qui fait immanquablement penser aux albums solos de Neal Morse, Snowbound avec son intro acoustique façon The Wall, le plus floydien encore Take It Away, ou enfin This Time, qui me rappelle… je ne sais pas quoi, mais Seigneur que c’est bien foutu! Clairement, on n’invente rien ici, il n’y a aucune exploration hasardeuse, mais perso, je n’en ai rien à caler : j’ai passé une heure bercé par une musique splendide, plus proche des prés ensoleillés que des écuries. J’espère que ce CD est facile à obtenir (sinon voyez le site web), le bonheur ne s’économise pas.
Christian Barbier
Thursday 27 March 2014
For the ones who can't read "small print"...
on the picture below.
Here is the Eclipsed magazine review...
Artrock
MARCO DE ANGELIS
„The River – Both Sides Of The Story“
(theriver.it)
7 of 10 Pt.
Artverwandt: Marillion; Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd
Mit „The River“ hat der Italiener Marco De Angelis endlich seine eigene Musik realisiert, nachdem er Jahrzehnte lang für andere schrieb und produzierte. Der Chapmanstick-, Gitarren-, Bass- und Keyboardplayer hat seine musikalischen Wurzeln in den Endsechzigern und Siebzigern. Da kommt es ihm sehr entgegen, dass sein Leadsänger Marcello Catalano mal wie Peter Gabriel und mal wie Marillions Steve Hogarth klingt. Die Songs des Konzeptalbums, das sich mit den Themen Fluss des Lebens und Dualität beschäftigt, sind vorwiegend im Midtempobereich angesiedelt und besitzen allesamt eine nachdenkliche Note. Vieles erinnert an die ruhigeren Marillion-Stücke der letzten Jahre. Dafür bietet „One Love“ an Pink Floyd erinnernde Gitarren, lässt „What Do You Feel Now?“ an Alan Parsons Project denken und kommt mit „Regrets“ konzertante- sowie mit „Never Look Back“ gar ein bisschen Stadionrock-Stimmung auf. Die Stücke wurden detailreich und akribisch arrangiert, doch hätte das Drumming an der einen oder anderen Stelle durchaus variabler sein können. Dennoch ein gelungenes Debüt.
Top-Track: Snowbound
Monday 17 March 2014
The River Live Rehearsal
A short teaser from the upcoming documentary "The River Live Rehearsal - the making of a live show" Featuring: Marco De Angelis, Marcello Catalano, Cristiano Micalizzi, Max Ranucci, Claudio Perini, Francesco Luzzio, Marco Quagliozzi, Simona Rizzi, Desirèe Petrocchi, Cristiana Polegri.
A short teaser from the upcoming documentary "The River Live Rehearsal - the making of a live show" Featuring: Marco De Angelis, Marcello Catalano, Cristiano Micalizzi, Max Ranucci, Claudio Perini, Francesco Luzzio, Marco Quagliozzi, Simona Rizzi, Desirèe Petrocchi, Cristiana Polegri.
Sunday 9 March 2014
Kristýna
4 stars
Ital Marco De Angelis byl po dlouhá léta znám pouze jako vyhlášený producent a hudební inženýr, nikoli jako aktivní muzikant. Málokdo tedy vedel o jeho kompozicních a interpretacních schopnostech, které v prubehu své dlouholeté práce v hudebním prumyslu nasbíral. Album The River je jeho prvotinou, na které je velmi znát dlouhá doba zrání hudebního materiálu ve skladatelove hlave, a v neposlední rade také zalíbení v progresivním rocku (v tomto prípade jeho obrození v prubehu 80. let), kterým se Marco De Angelis nikterak netají.
The River je sbírka skladeb konceptuálního charakteru, která se zabývá predevším dualitou všeho živého i neživého na tomto svete, tedy prirozenými a všudyprítomnými protiklady, které také dávají albu dovetek Both Sides of the Story. Ac bychom toto téma mohli oznacit za spíše závažnejší, téma snad až filozofického charakteru, Marco De Angelis jej na své debutní desce pojal pomerne netradicne – skladby jsou prevážne pozitivne znející, kladoucí duraz na melodicnost a prostou radost ze hry, které mají následne posluchaci zprostredkovat velice podobné pocity – tedy zejména radost, dobrou náladu. Texty se rozhodne dají oznacit za nadprumerné, ackoli jejich kvalita nemá zrovna vzestupnou tendenci a na desce najdeme i pár prešlapu (napr. Take It Away). Hudebne se deska pohybuje v mantinelech toho, cemu se ríká klasický neo-prog. Avšak narozdíl od nekterých velmi kontroverzních zástupcu tohoto žánru, na jejichž tvorbu se názory neustále rozcházejí, se Marco De Angelis pohybuje na vlnách velmi príjemné kytarové muziky, kde jsou jeho sólové nástroje preci jen mírne vycnívající, ale presto ne egoisticky vytavené do nebeských výšin. Angelis slouží celku, ale presto mu s lehkostí a grácií dominuje. A tak by to presne melo být. Nekterým skladbách výrazne pomáhá i užití Chapman Stick. Angelis je jedním z mála italských hrácu na CS, takže by bylo zrejme hloupé na svou desku nezaradit i tento velmi specifický strunný nástroj. Treba ve skladbe Black Stare ci One Love perfektne dopomáhá utvorit celek a posluchaci podsouvá opravdu nádherné harmonické party.
Instrumentálne je deska velmi dobre sestavená, jednotliví hudebníci se snaží „jen“ udelat kus poctivé práce a podílet se na této bezesporu elegantní a sofistikované muzice. Opet se zde nepredvádí žádná preludování, príklady hrácské virtuozity bychom zde jen težko hledali. Vše je ale príjemne dotažené do konce a instrumentální složka se perfektne doplnuje s tou vokální. Výber zpeváku byl zcela jiste také duležitou a nelehkou úlohou, kterou si musel Angelis pri tvorení a následném zkoušení materiálu projít. Bylo by však vhodné dodat, že si s tím poradil velmi dobre a angažování Marcella Catalana, stejne jako zbylých doprovodných vokalistu, bylo výborným krokem, který jeho hudbu posouvají do naprosto jiných výšin. Hlas Marcella Catalana není svým zabarvením pro progresivní rock, potažmo neo-prog zrovna typický, a tak tuto volbu kvituji.
Marco De Angelis me svým prvním hudebním pocinem velice prekvapil. Sám uvádí, že je velkým fanouškem progresivního rocku 70. let, na tomto albu to však vypadá, že má mnohem více v oblibe ve stejné dekáde pozvolna nastupující AOR a popularite se tešící neo-prog z dekády hned následující. Opravdu, odkazu na legendy klasického progu bychom našli pramálo, dost možná vubec žádné, avšak svým vyznením se jedná o skutecne vyzrálý hudební materiál, který – ac není tím pravým príkladem pro sluvko „progresivní“ – jiste dokáže uspokojit hudebne lacného príznivce rockové hudby à la Asia. Prímerum ke konkrétním interpretum jsem se sice chtela vyhnout, ale práve zmínení formace Asia by mohlo být dobrým vodíkem práve k Marcu De Angelisovi a jeho tvorbe.
Velmi slušná deska, která stojí za pozornost.
Saturday 1 March 2014
MARCO DE ANGELIS - "The River - Both Sides of the Story"
Marco de Angelis is an Italian composer, musician, arranger and producer with almost thirty years of experience in music. Soon or later, the musical input accumulated inside his mind should have to find an outlet to escape out in the form of some artistic expression - that is “The River - Both Sides of the Story” - a conceptual piece that presents a consistent theme throughout the various phases of its creation, execution, recording and future representation. It is not a collection of songs, but a homogeneous and coherent body of work in which lyrics, music and arrangements fuse together harmoniously within the visual and suggestive concept of a “river”, which represents the real life, sided by its two river banks, which represent the dualism in which all human beings exist. Traveling on the river, one can make a trip of self-discovery, choosing to stop on one bank or another, or can just be dragged by chance into its whimsical flowing. “The River” was independently released in 2013 and features Marco de Angelis (guitar, bass, keyboards, and Chapman stick), Marcello Catalano (vocals), Cristiano Micalizzi (drums) and gest singers that form a women’s choir. In spite of his Italian roots, the music of de Angelis has nothing to do with Italian Progressive Rock, being rather aligned with the British Style. The songs are a blend of sophisticated British Pop-Rock and World Music covered with a Neo-Progressive luster, having a resemblance with the works of “Peter Gabriel”, “Paul Simon”, “Marillion”, “Fish”, “Phil Collins”, “Simply Red”, “Coldplay”, and the latest albums of “Genesis” & “Pink Floyd”. Although the compositions emphasize the song-format (by privileging Catalano’s sensitive lead vocals), the arrangements are also adorned with beautiful passages of pianos, and have solos of synths and guitars in Neo-Prog style. Cristiano Micalizzi on the drums shows a rich rhythmical palette that includes Rock, Jazz, Brit-Pop, and World Music ethnical beats, and makes a great duo with the impressive bass of de Angelis. The moods go from slightly lively to slightly cool or melancholic; and the female backing vocals (that sing short and long “uh’s” and “ah’s”) recall “Pink Floyd” and “Paul Simon”. “The River” features 12 tracks. “Radio” (0:21)/“Tell Me Why” (5:21) is lively, driven by World Music beats and backing vocals that recall “Gabriel” and “Paul Simon”, and has Neo-Prog guitars that recall “Marillion”. Other songs have a stronger Pop-Rock appeal, but never give out the melodic solos of guitar and synths. They are “One Love” (5:21) – which recalls “Marillion” (of the last days with “Fish”), “Genesis” (pop phase), and has an instrumentation more like “Asia”; “Snowbound” (4:47) – a ballad driven by acoustic guitars, symphonic string arrangements, and keyboards that recalls “Fish” and “Coldplay”; “Never Look Back” (4:26) – a rhythmically groovy song reminiscent of “Peter Gabriel” funky-phase, but that for some reason also recalls me of “Kansas”; “Take It Away” (6:28) - which is Techno, also resembling “Peter Gabriel”; and “Fly High” (6:54) - a sunny and soaring ballad like “Genesis”, “Phil Collins”, and “Simply Red”. Intermingled with those tracks there are some introspective and slightly melancholic songs such as “Black Stare” (5:04) - driven by pianos, recalling “Marillion” (with “Fish”), ascending to a pop-commercial end; “This Time” (6:31) - another “Marillion” with “Fish” kind of song that grows with more drama later; and “Regrets” (7:51), which has a touch of “Pink Floyd”, “Phil Collins”, and “Marillion”, ending with great melodic guitar solo. The song “What Do You Feel Now?” (6:17) tends to the Electronic Progressive style, having sound effects and instrumental passages influenced by “Eno”, “Parsons”, “Pink Floyd” (with highlight for the vocals and bass), and even “Manfred Mann” (on backing vocals); while the closing track “Our Trail Of Tears” (9:20) begins Popish (think of “Phil Collins” or “Simply Red”) and grows like a “Marillion” song of the “Hogarth” phase, being crowned with a typical Neo-Prog solo that vanishes into a man’s speech thanking the audience for winning a prize. “The River” is a solid work by Marco de Angelis, but as the music stays on the bordering line between sophisticated British Pop-Rock and typical Neo-Progressive style, a shall recommend this album only for fans of “Marillion”, the latest albums of “Genesis” & “Pink Floyd”, the solo works of “Peter Gabriel”, “Fish”, and “Phil Collins”, and fans of “Simply Red”, “Coldplay”, and “Paul Simon”. Band members and collaborators involved in Marco de Angelis/The River are: Marco de Angelis - Guitar, Bass, Keyboards, Chapman Stick; Marcello Catalano – Vocals; Cristiano Micalizzi – Drums. Guests: Désirèe Petrocchi; Simona Rizzi; Susanna Stvali; Fabiola Torresi; Sara Berni - Backing Vocals. All songs written and arranged by Marco De Angelis, except: “Our Trail Of Tears” written by Marco De Angelis / Puzzle. All lyrics by Marco De Angelis, except: “Tell Me Why”, “Black Stare” (Marco De Angelis / Odette Albani); “Our Trail Of Tears” (Marcello Catalano) & “Snowbound” (Sham Hinchey). Produced by Marco De Angelis; Recorded, Engineered & Mixed by Marco De Angelis; Acoustic guitars session recorded by Maurizio Capitini; Additional post-pro mixing by Fabrizio Facioni. Recorded at Soundtrack Studio & Revolver Studio; Mastered by Sue Brown at The Crypt Mastering... (Comments by Marcelo Trotta).
Thursday 27 February 2014
Thursday 13 February 2014
- The Review:
- Italian sound engineer, producer and multi-instrumentalist Marco
De Angelis has come full circle. After 15 years of toiling in anonymity
in an isolation booth behind the knobs and sliders of mixing consoles
and multitrack recorders in a variety of Italian recording studios, De
Angelis steps front and center on his 2013 solo debut "The River: Both
Sides Of The Story".
Multi-instrumentalist De Angelis (guitar, stick, bass, keyboards,
rhythmic programming, backing vocals) has recorded an impressive
collection of tunes which straddle the fence, fluctuating between
cross-over prog, classic rock, pop, and adult contemporary.
Thematically "The River: Both Sides Of The Story" is a concept album dealing with the duality of life; while musically the compositions and lush arrangements are comparable to many of the Alan Parson's Project hit singles, Mike And The Mechanics, Mandalaband IV, and Pink Floyd.
Marco De Angelis is an exceptional songwriter with a real knack for constructing - 'the hook' - into each of his songs. And since this isn't a conventional progressive rock album, guitar and keyboard solos are kept to a bare minimum, used sparingly to augment the songs where needed.
And versatile vocalist Marcelo Catalano can conversely belt out a catchy arena rocker that gets the blood flowing and foot tapping as well as a melodic soulful croon to lull you into a comfortably numb dream-state.
My overall impression of the music on "The River: Both Sides Of The Story" is a melding of both Pink Floyd and Mike And The Mechanics - with David Gilmore on guitar, Rick Wright on keyboards, Roger Waters or Mike Rutherford on bass, Nick Mason on drums, and vocals provided by Paul Carrack and Paul Young. Especially on tracks like "One Love", ""Take It Away", "Our Trail Of Tears", and "Regrets".
Other influences can be detected as well including The Eagles on the tracks "Snowbound" and "Never Look Back", the solo albums of Peter Gabriel on the track "Black Stare", and a combination of 80's era Genesis and Elton John on the track "Fly High".
While it may lack the abstract complexities and head-spinning time signatures associated with the prog/rock genre "The River: Both Sides Of The Story" is an exceptional album from beginning to end with many catchy songs that stay with you long afterward.
The line-up includes: Marco De Angelis (guitar, stick, bass, keyboards, rhythmic programming, backing vocals), Marcello Catalano (vocals), Cristiano Micalizzi (drums), Desiree Petrocchi (backing vocals), Simona Rizzi (backing vocals), Susanna Stvali (backing vocals), Fabiola Torresi (backing vocals), and Sara Berni (backing vocals).
Recommended!
Reviewed by Joseph Shingler on February 12th, 2014
Sunday 9 February 2014
De Angelis, Marco – The River: Both Sides of the Story
Review by: Rok Podgrajšek
Year: 2013
Produced by: Marco De Angelis
Label: Independent release
Tracks:
1. Radio (0:21)
2. Tell Me Why (5:21)
3. Black Stare (5:04)
4. One Love (5:21)
5. Snowbound (4:47)
6. Never Look Back (4;26)
7. Regrets (7:51)
8. This Time (6:31)
9. Take It Away (6:28)
10. What Do You Feel Now? (6:17)
11. Fly High (6:54)
12. Our Trail Of Tears (9:20)
Year: 2013
Produced by: Marco De Angelis
Label: Independent release
Tracks:
1. Radio (0:21)
2. Tell Me Why (5:21)
3. Black Stare (5:04)
4. One Love (5:21)
5. Snowbound (4:47)
6. Never Look Back (4;26)
7. Regrets (7:51)
8. This Time (6:31)
9. Take It Away (6:28)
10. What Do You Feel Now? (6:17)
11. Fly High (6:54)
12. Our Trail Of Tears (9:20)
With a ton of releases
flooding us from all corners, it's sometimes hard to separate the wheat
from the chaff. It would have been easy for Marco De Angelis's release,
The River, to go by me unnoticed, however, whether by fortuitous
coincidence or some other force, I was fortunate enough to hear it.
De Angelis is an Italian multi-instrumentalist, who created this album almost single-handedly, only helped on the fantastic vocal harmonies by several guest vocalists and a drummer.
De Angelis presents himself with a very slick art rock sound at first. The most impressive element are the vocal harmonies, where De Angelis utilises his guests to the maximum. He does build upon his sound gradually, with some sensual and effective guitar soloing, reminiscent of David Gilmour. Even the music takes on some Pink Floyd characteristics, particularly from their 80s and 90s period. Add to the mixture a dash of modern melody-driven (alternative) progressive rock and you're faced with a very satisfying musical journey.
At the end of the day, the album has only positive values that can be attributed to it and all respect to Marco De Angelis for getting it right the first time. I'm sure this is only the start of his musical voyage and a sign of things to come.
8 out of 10
De Angelis is an Italian multi-instrumentalist, who created this album almost single-handedly, only helped on the fantastic vocal harmonies by several guest vocalists and a drummer.
De Angelis presents himself with a very slick art rock sound at first. The most impressive element are the vocal harmonies, where De Angelis utilises his guests to the maximum. He does build upon his sound gradually, with some sensual and effective guitar soloing, reminiscent of David Gilmour. Even the music takes on some Pink Floyd characteristics, particularly from their 80s and 90s period. Add to the mixture a dash of modern melody-driven (alternative) progressive rock and you're faced with a very satisfying musical journey.
At the end of the day, the album has only positive values that can be attributed to it and all respect to Marco De Angelis for getting it right the first time. I'm sure this is only the start of his musical voyage and a sign of things to come.
8 out of 10
Monday 27 January 2014
Sunday 26 January 2014
Sunday 19 January 2014
De Angelis; Marco: The River - Both Sides Of The Story
Added: January 18th 2014Although as a performer, studio player or producer Marco De Angelis has been involved in the music industry for three decades, The River – Both Sides Of The Story is his first solo release. In terms of style this Italian multi-instrumentalist, including being one of Italy's few Chapman Stick experts, provides a gently Progressive album which owes as much to Mike + The Mechanics, as it does Fish, It Bites, Karnataka, or at times especially Pink Floyd. This is commercial fare and possibly not one for serious Progsters, however don't take that to mean it is lightweight or throwaway. Instead The River is a concept album which dives from idea to idea through some stunning musicianship and tightly crafted songs. De Angelis handles most of the instruments himself, only aided by drummer Cristiano Micalizzi, a group of wonderful female backing singers and the simply fantastic lead singer Marcello Catalano. DeAngelis is undoubtedly the main force here, composing, producing and playing most of what you hear, however it's no exaggeration to suggest that without Catalano's expert vocal delivery, this album would only be half as effective and ear catching as it is. The vocalist's attack varying from something akin to Ray Wilson and Neal Morse, to touches of Fish and Nik Kershaw – a fine mix in anyone's book.
The concept behind the album explains how life is a river we all travel down and that we can chose from either side to stop off at, whether they be good or bad, male or female, night or day, or life and death. The songs having ambient noise between them to illustrate aspects of the choices made and revelled in or the regret of mistaken decisions. However it is all done with a lightness of touch and always an eye for melody, leaving songs which don't overbear in a way this concept easily could.
There's a real mix of attacks with "Snowbound" reminding of RPWL, the use of Chapman Stick on "One Love" bringing a touch of Peter Gabriel and where vocally Fish is a reference point, although we're actually close to Def Leppard here too. Add to that the ever so gentle "This Time", where again Catalano shines working against acoustic guitars and shimmering keyboards, while "Take It Away" employs a similar slow approach but adds a gritty atmosphere which latter day Genesis often evoked. Although Gilmour led Floyd is a far more obvious influence on this track both vocally and in terms of the guitar sounds and style.
In the end there's no denying that for some this album will be a little too easy going, possibly even pedestrian. However for someone like myself who derives as much pleasure from AOR as I do Neo Prog, there really isn't a dull moment and the overall effect simply grows with each listen, always drawing you back for more.
Track Listing
1. Radio
2. Tell Me Why
3. Black Stare
4. One Love
5. Snowbound
6. Never Look Back
7. Regrets
8. This Time
9. Take It Away
10. What Do You Feel Now?
11. Fly High
12. Our Trail Of Tears
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Thursday 16 January 2014
WIN MORE PROG ROCK CD'S ON THE PROG MILL!
This coming Sunday (19th January) we will have 3 copies of the superb album by Marco De Angelis - The River (Both Sides of the Story) to give away.
Just listen out for the very easy question in the first hour of the show, and you could be the owner of a copy of this wonderful album.
Listen out from 10pm UK time (2300 CET) on Stafford Radio. Hear the show online at www.staffordradio.com or via tune-in or on your internet radio via the Pure and Reciva platforms.
Thanks Marco for donating the CD's to The Prog Mill listeners!
This coming Sunday (19th January) we will have 3 copies of the superb album by Marco De Angelis - The River (Both Sides of the Story) to give away.
Just listen out for the very easy question in the first hour of the show, and you could be the owner of a copy of this wonderful album.
Listen out from 10pm UK time (2300 CET) on Stafford Radio. Hear the show online at www.staffordradio.com or via tune-in or on your internet radio via the Pure and Reciva platforms.
Thanks Marco for donating the CD's to The Prog Mill listeners!
Monday 6 January 2014
Hello dear friends out there, 2014 is gonna be a great year!
A few new CD distributors have The River - Both sides of the story into their catalogues.
Now you can buy The River from:
Musea Distribution:
http://www.musearecords.com/boutique/anglais/index.php?ficheprod=1&artiste=THE+RIVER&refp=39680
and Kinesis Distribution:
http://www.kinesiscd.com/storeframe1.htm
Thanks to all the guys at Musea and Kinesis for their help and support.
Remember that "The River" is also on sale @:
www.theriver.it
www.amazon.it
www.amazon.co.uk
www.amazon.fr
www.amazon.es
www.amazon.de
www.amazon.com
A few new CD distributors have The River - Both sides of the story into their catalogues.
Now you can buy The River from:
Musea Distribution:
http://www.musearecords.com/boutique/anglais/index.php?ficheprod=1&artiste=THE+RIVER&refp=39680
and Kinesis Distribution:
http://www.kinesiscd.com/storeframe1.htm
Thanks to all the guys at Musea and Kinesis for their help and support.
Remember that "The River" is also on sale @:
www.theriver.it
www.amazon.it
www.amazon.co.uk
www.amazon.fr
www.amazon.es
www.amazon.de
www.amazon.com
Friday 3 January 2014
Wednesday 1 January 2014
lbum Tuesday 24 December 2013
Band: Marco De Angelis
CD Title: “The River - Both Sides of the Story”
CD Title: “The River - Both Sides of the Story”
Band Website: www.theriver.it
Label: Independent Release
Label
Website:
Release Date: 2013
In
the world of Progressive Rock music, there really seems to be no end of
variations on a theme.
Artists will approach the genre with their own inspiration and set of
influences. Such is the case with the Italian multi-instrumentalistMarco De Angelis. His new CD entitled The River - Both Sides of the Story offers up an interesting mix of sounds that are at once
familiar and yet delivered with a fresh take. The River
features not only De Angelis but also Marcello Catalano (vocals),
Cristiano
Micalizzi (drums) and then Désirèe Petrocchi, Simona Rizzi, Susanna
Stvali, Fabiola Torresi, Sara Berni all on backing vocals. The
music will have instant appeal to fans or melodic prog.
The River - Both Sides of the Story
is a collection of 12 tracks, 68-minutes
of music written, arranged, produced and performed by De Angelis. This
is clearly his show even though he enjoys the help of other
talent on drums and vocals. This is also his story, a loosely based
concept with songs reflecting the dualism of humanity: male –
female, life – death, good – evil, hence “both sides of the story.”
These tunes are all more or less mid-tempo and on their own come
across as nice catchy tunes, but what elevates them into the
prog-sphere is their arrangements and structure. Sound effects are
layered-in
creating a sense of place or environment and reinforcing the concepts
at work. At the same time it’s possible to imagine each tune
out of context and hear its melody and hummability. The musical
reference point would be Pink Floyd reinterpreted through RPWL. The
music is melodic and transitions smoothly from one musical idea to the
next. While not every track is connected to the next, many
do slide into one another which contribute to creating a larger than
life musical pallet.
For a guy who started
to play music the first time he picked up an instrument at the age of ten back in 1972, it’s taken Marco De Angelis
quite a few decades
to bring his musical vision to fruition and while it’s not the most
complex progressive rock you’ll ever hear, it is a very satisfying
listen. Fans of Barclay James Harvest, RPWL of course Pink Floyd will
find much music here to appreciate and enjoy.
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