Inner Prospekt – Canvas Three (Somnus Media, 2023)
Canvas Three, the latest release from the talented composer Alessandro Di Benedetti’s musical project, Inner Prospekt, showcases over an hour of superb symphonic progressive rock. The album features six compositions, including five that have previously appeared on various albums by The Samurai Of Prog. The album is a collaborative effort with a small group of participants, including Carmine Capasso (Italy), Federico Tetti (Italy), and Rafael Pachá (Spain).
The primary inspiration behind the album is unequivocally the progressive rock era of Genesis. Alessandro Di Benedetti’s musical arrangements and instrumental performances are masterful and splendid, encompassing a diverse range of keyboards such as the exquisite grand piano; dazzling synth solos; colorful organ; magnificent Mellotron layers; and neoclassical orchestral arrangements that are gorgeous and majestic. Additionally, Di Benedetti is a remarkably talented vocalist who delivers outstanding performances that draw inspiration from Peter Gabriel.
Although Di Benedetti’s work is deeply influenced by Tony Banks, one can also discern traces of Keith Emerson and the renowned Italian bands of the 1970s in his compositions. Moreover, the album boasts of several distinguished guests who deliver stellar performances. For instance, Spanish multi-instrumentalist Rafael Pachá contributed an array of influences that have enriched the album, including epic prog rock guitar, southern Spanish influences, Medieval and Celtic sounds, and fusion-style fretless bass.
While the CD version of the album comprises six tracks, the Bandcamp version features an additional seventh track, an awe-inspiring 20-minute epic piece titled “La Resa Dei Conti,” which is a true manifestation of musical euphoria, similar to the rest of the album.
Alessandro Di Benedetti is a highly accomplished musician and composer, having founded the Rock Progresivo Italiano band Mad Crayon, composed for The Samurai of Prog and The Guildmaster, and founded his solo musical project, Inner Prospekt. For Canvas Three, he is joined by a talented group of musicians who contribute to the album’s depth and richness. Rafael Pacha provides the 12-string guitar, electric and classical guitar, viola da gamba, piccolo flute, fretless bass, zither, and mandolin (2, 3, 5), while Federico Tetti and Carmine Capasso provide admirable electric guitar work.
The cover art, created by Giuseppe Carlo Militello, titled “Ipergatto” (Oil on Canvas 2016), is a fitting representation of the album’s artistry and sophistication.
Buy it from innerprospekt.bandcamp.com/album/canvas-three