Week of May 11, 2003

Acqua Fragile

Bernardo Lanzetti - vocals, guitars
Gino Campanini - guitars, mandolin, vocals
Maurizio Mori - keyboards
Franz Dondi - bass
Piero Canavera - drums, percussion

Acqua Fragile were one of the more song-oriented Italian progressive groups, singing in English and combining melodic influences from early 70s Genesis, Yes and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Lanzetti's nasal voice (comparable to Peter Gabriel, Roger Chapman or Pat Moran of the group Spring) dominates most tracks, sometimes accompanied by three-part vocal harmonies. The majestic guitar licks are also similar to those of Steve Hackett. Their two albums didn't contain anything uncommon, but are relaxing, harmonic and perhaps a little too light-hearted for those who enjoy the more complex sound favoured by other Italian bands. After Acqua Fragile disbanded, Lanzetti joined PFM as their vocalist, strongly influencing the album "Chocolate Kings".

Albums:
Acqua Fragile - 1973, Numero Uno DZSLN 55656
(reissued on CD by BMG Ricordi SpA, 2003)
Mass Media Stars - 1974, Ricordi SMRL 6150

Taken from Scented Gardens of the Mind - A guide to the Golden Era of Progressive Rock (1968-1980) in more than 20 European Countries, by Dag Erik Asbjørnsen, Borderline Productions, ISBN 1-899855-12-2


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