Search - Jumbo :: Jumbo (Mlps)

More of a folksy/bluesy offering, more acoustic

BENJAMIN MILER | Veneta, Oregon | 10/03/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jumbo was apparently the nickname given to vocalist Alvaro Fella for this album, but quickly became the name of the group. This album was released in 1972, but apparently recorded earlier (likely sometime in 1971, although they did release an obscure single in 1970 on the Numero Uno label before switching to Philips). It's not hard to see this was recorded just right at the infancy of Italian prog. Many groups kept to their pre-prog roots (psychedelia, folk, jazz, beat, etc.). In the cast of Jumbo, this album is largely acoustic, with strong blues and folk feel, but there are drums and electric guitar to give it that rock feel. Most people will look to their next two albums, DNA (1972) and Vietato ai Minori di 18 Anni? (1973) as their best albums, and it's true, they are more progressive than this album and showing greater maturity. I have to say that this album would even better if the final cut "Ho Visto Piangere" was simply jettisoned, as it's really awful and unbearable. But the rest is simply great, maybe not the most progressive stuff they'll offer. But then one big warning, as is their other albums: Alvaro Fella's voice is harsh and an acquired taste. There's also an early version of "Dio E'" that would be re-recorded on DNA for part of the wonderful "Suite il per Signor K." This early version is also great. Throughout the album you can see many elements that the band will improve on with their following releases. Not as bad as some will make it out to be, it's actually rather underrated in light of what they'll release next."