Overall, ELLESMERE II sounds way more energetic and varied compared to the previous work, that was dominated by flute and acoustic guitars. Listening to the whole album, it's not difficult to find similarities with the great prog acts of the past: Yes immediately does spring to mind, but also King Crimson during the rawest parts (a quote from RED is hidden in the second track), UK challenging jazz prog, the symphonic attitude of ELP, Kansas tension towards melody,
the breathtaking chord changing sequences typical of Magellan and Cairo, the intimate and gloomy mood from early Peter Gabriel productions. The brief instrumental section that opens the album is the evocative trait d'union between the last track of the previous work, still hazy and filled with the sounds of nature, and this new journey into the waters. The tale then keeps moving, built on three long and powerful tracks inspired by the strength of the savage sea (Marine Extravaganza, The Schooner and Time, Life Again). Yet Marine evolves in a mini suite, tied to the opening track (Tidal Breath) and to Marine Coda, that showcases all the elements that are part of the concept. Two more complex tunes, The Schooner and Time, Life Again are tempered by an apparently quieter song (Runaway) and by a symphonic shorter instrumental track (Ridge Fanfare).
01. Tidal Breath 02:12
02. Marine Extravaganza 11:54
03. Runaway 06:01
04. Marine Coda 02:09
05. The Schooner 11:02
06. Ridge Fanfare 03:21
07. Time, Life Again 08:59
- Roberto Vitelli (Taproban) / Rickenbacker 4003 Jetglo Bass, Fender "Geddy Lee" Jazz Bass, Taurus Moog I, Gibson Gold Top Guitar, Mellotron M400, Minimoog Model D, Prophet 5, Moog Voyager, Yamaha DX7 II, Kurzweil K2500, Roland JV 1080, Yamaha TX 81Z
- Paolo Carnelli / Piano, Electric Piano, Hammond Organ & Additional Keyboards
With:
- Alan Benjamin (Advent, Mirthrandir) / Guitars (2)
- Robert Berry (3, Keith Emerson) / Vocals (3/7)
- Marco Bernard (The Samurai of Prog) / Bass (6)
- Trey GunnGunn (King Crimson, David Sylvian, UKZ, Security Project) / Warr Guitar (3)
- David Jackson (Van der Graaf Generator, Osanna) / Saxes & Keyboards (4)
- Brett Kull (Echolyn) / Guitars (7)
- Danilo Mintrone / Korg Microkorg (1)
- Keith More(Arena, John Wetton) / Guitars (5)
- Davy O'List (The Nice, Roxy Music) / Guitars (6)
- Daniele Pomo (RanestRane) / Drums and Percussion (2-7)
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Ellesmere – Ellesmere II – From Sea And Beyond (2018)
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