Michele Conta – Endless Nights (AMS Records, 2020)
Keyboardist and composer Michele Conta, founder of Locanda Delle Fate, one of the most cherished Italian progressive rock groups, has a new solo album titled Endless Nights.
The Name Is Endless features masterfully-constructed instrumental and vocal pieces in English and Italian. Although I normally enjoy Italian bands better in Italian, the English-language vocals here are quite good.
If you listen to Michele Conta’s sound on this album you’ll definitely notice the Locanda Delle Fate influences. It is fantastic progressive symphonic rock, highlighting Conta’s work as a keyboardist. His main instrument is the piano, which has a deeply rooted classical music influence.
On this project, Conta is joined by vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Ermanno Brignolo, who delivers most of the guitar work. Brignolo’s guitar work is outstanding, with engaging melodies and epic solos. Conta and Brignolo provide remarkable interactions.
The Name Is Endless has a high profile guest drummer, Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree and King Crimson) who plays on two tracks. The rest of the guests include Gianni Cicogna on bass, Gianni Branca on drums, Lele Melotti on drums, Sergio Pescara on drums; Max Arminchiardi on guitar; Leonardo Plumbini on cello; and Effe Quartet on cello.
Locanda Delle Fate released an iconic album titled Forse le lucciole non si amano più in 1977. The band returned years later to release Homo Homini Lupus (1999).
Buy Endless Nights