With any project, Clive Nolan and Eric Bouillette produce or are involved with, one knows it is going to be an epic production. So is Imaginaerium, the band originally formed by Eric Bouillette, Clive Nolan and Laura Piazzai. The band is back with a new album and story from one of the greatest families of the 15th Century; the Medici’s of Florence, Italy. The Rise of Medici, will be out on September 30th, on Anesthetize Productions.
Clive states, “The album features some of the major episodes in the life of Cosimo and Contessina De’ Medici. Their lives were far more intricate and complex than this album can possibly put across, so we simply offer a small part of their dramatic place in history.”
Imaginaerium is made up of Clive Nolan, who developed half of the composition, completed arrangements, wrote the lyrics, played keyboards, recorded the drums and sings vocals as Rinaldo degli Albizzi; Eric Bouillette, who co-produced the original composition, completed arrangements, plays guitars, keyboards, mandolin, and violin; Laura Piazzai, who sings vocals for character Contessina de’ Medici; Andy Sears, who sings vocals for character Cosimo de’ Medici; Elena Vladyuk, who sings vocals for character Lucrezia de’ Medici; Mark Spencer, who sings vocals for the Monks; Scott Higham, who plays drums; Bernard Hery, who plays bass; and Isabella Cambini, who plays harp.
The artwork is almost better than the music. The Rise of Medici includes a limited special edition with a 28-page hand-numbered hardback, ear-book with bonus CD.
The album begins, with epic background effects, including a loud bell chiming, on “Festina Lente”. Lucrezia de’ Medici starts whispering, then singing as the monks accompany her in background support, “The bond of the family is made. The Medici a great and honored name. They walk their path from strength to strength. Revered in their power and their fame. Make haste…slowly”. ‘Make haste, slowly’ was the motto of the Medici family. A solemn opening for what will follow.
“Duty of Love”, involves the marriage of Contessina and Cosimo. Laura Piazzai, sings as she examines the costs and benefits of joining such a prestigious family. This is a powerful symphonic track that details Contessina’s willingness to commit heart and soul to the marriage, and more importantly to the family. She sings of her understanding of her rights, responsibilities and privileges. Off to a grand beginning.
“House of Dreams”, brings Contessina and Cosimo singing together, set to what sounds like harpsichord and 15th Century orchestration. A wonderful beginning. “This is an oath of loyalty. This is a bond of faith. Together we shape our destiny. Together we shape our fate. Our family will reign supreme”.
“Tide Will Change”, opens with powerful drumming and the snarling, angry singing of Clive Nolan as Rinaldo degli Albizzi, the main rival of Cosimo de’ Medici. He sings, “for years I have watched you rise. I have seen my fortunes fall. For years I have so despised you”. He makes a promise, “If it’s the last thing I do. I will cut you to the heart. I will tear your world apart”.
“Never Close Your Eyes”, opens with a beautiful choir singing, before Lucrezia de’ Medici; the story’s narrator sings, “These children of Florence. Of banking and of politics. This noble house. This dynasty. Was more than just a family”. But there is a warning, when things are too good and you lose touch with everyday reality. Lucrezia sings, “With success comes envy”. Then the warning, “Ah, never close your eyes”.
“Glass Throne”, opens with soft mandolin from Eric Bouillette, with orchestration flowing and Laura Piazzai singing Contessina’s part, which celebrates the rise of the Medici family. Despite the family’s power and glory, Contessina senses a “Fragile hold, a throne that’s made of glass”. Eric Bouillette’s guitar work and soloing takes this song higher.
“Treachery”, opens with royal horns and orchestration. Rinaldo degli Albizzi returns to try to put Cosimo in jail. He uses treachery and lies to help turn the city against the Medici family and Cosimo himself, pays the price. Meanwhile, Contessina and the family help fight the charges against her husband. The darkness begins.
“Fall from Grace”, opens with beautiful acoustic guitar work from Eric Bouillette. Then Lucrezia sings, “Just one day. Everybody changed. Time enough for lies. Time enough to be betrayed”. Cosimo is about to lose his lofty place in society.
“Will I Never Return”, is a song of regret from Cosimo. The song opens with regal horns and orchestration, in an inspired rhythmic march. Cosimo is feeling the rage and indignation of being removed from such a lofty perch of authority and nobility. Especially because his removal is based on lies. Sadly, he sings, “Turned upon. Cast aside. Forced to leave. Vilified, banished from my home. Spurned and in disgrace. Isolated here. Where’s the dignity and honor in this place?”
“Fortunes Reverse”, opens with sad slow keyboards and effects. Rinaldo returns and the tide has turned again. Against Rinaldo. Rinaldo sings, “My strategy has failed. A year is all I won. My dream of life without them, it has fallen, it is done. Contessina sings, “You were wrong to turn against us. You were wrong to plot and scheme. You were wrong to think your friends would know what ‘loyal’ truly means”. The truth exposed and Rinaldo faces exile. Eric Bouillette’s guitar soloing is amazing on this song.
“Return of Medici”, opens with the monks singing and bells ringing. A solemn beginning. After a year of captivity, Cosimo is free and emerging after, “Such a grueling year. Of politics and intrigue. Such a grueling year. Of scheming and deception. Oh… we stood against the tide. Oh… we held our heads up high”.
“Legacy”, opens with beautiful, soft acoustic guitar and Contessina, singing, “Time goes by. Many things have changed. Many friends have passed away. Time goes by. And yet our name is strong. Stronger every fleeting day. There is so much to come. We’ve only just begun…”
Like my favorite masterpiece from Clive Nolan, Caamora, The Rise of Medici, is epic storytelling surrounded by brilliantly composed symphonic music. The actors/singers are masterful in their vocal talent and the music is wonderful and engages the listener completely. You cannot go wrong with anything Eric Bouillette or Clive Nolan produce. This is another great story that needed to be told, from history, with relevance to today, and masterful music. Enjoy!
All music composed by Eric Bouillette and Clive Nolan. All lyrics, produced by Clive Nolan. Karl Groom, completed the drum set up and editing. Alexandre Lamia completed the mix and mastering; Artwork was designed and produced by © Steve Anderson. Cover painting by Kim Ouzo. Bad Dog Promotions arranged for public relations and advertising.
The Rise of Medici Track List
CD1
1. Festina lente
2. Duty of love
3. House of dreams
4. Tide will change
5. Never close your eyes
6. Glass throne
7. Treachery
8. Fall from grace
9. Will I never return
10. Fortunes reverse
11. Return of Medici
12. Legacy
CD Bonus
1. Fortune Reverse – Clive and Laura Mix
2. Duty of Love – Bonus Mix
3. Legacy – Duet with Andy and Laura
4. Never close your Eyes – Harp Mix with Laura
5. Fall from grace – Duet Elena and Laura
6. Fortune Reverse – Guitar mix
7. Festina Lente – Laura Mix
8. Tide will change – Instrumental Mix
9. Interview with Eric
10. Interview with Laura
11. Interview with Clive
https://imaginaeriumband.wordpress.com/
https://imaginaerium.bandcamp.com/releases
https://www.facebook.com/imaginaeriumband