Massimo Pieretti – “The Next Dream” | Progressive Rock Central.com

Massimo Pieretti is a talented and versatile musical performer and producer. I came into his acquaintance much by accident. He reached out to me a few years back, to request that I review his first solo album A New Beginning. I was happy to oblige, since I love hearing new music and especially from new artists, that I have never heard. I didn’t know it then, but Massimo has years of experience both playing live music and producing music, in his home of Italy, near Rome. His debut album was a very good start and I enjoyed it then.

Now Massimo Pieretti returns with the momentous follow up, The Next Dream, which was released independently on May 16^th; and with the great support of the talented UK public relations firm Bad Dog Promotions.

While Massimo was developing the music for The Next Dream, I had advised him to listen to a number of artists that I had enjoyed listening to and thought they might sound great on his new album, (at that time, with a concept about dreams). One of those people was Michael Trew, from Moon Letters a Seattle band that I have been following, for some time. It ended up being a perfect match for what Massimo envisioned, and so their friendship grew and Michael sings, “I Dreamed of Flying” and “The First Time We Met”, on The Next Dream.

Then, Massimo surprised me by saying, “I’m coming to America to meet you guys”. Well, just like the band Rush sang on Show Don’t Tell; Massimo showed up and did perform with Michael and others here in Washington. There he was, one summer day, at Michael Trew’s home. They were getting ready to play together in Michael’s backyard. So, remember, when Massimo tells you something. Take him at his word. The bond between these artists is strong. In fact, I heard them several times call each other ‘brother from another mother’.

So that being said. Let’s dig into this wonderful sophomore album by one of Italy’s newest progressive rock producers.

“Come Heavy Sleep”, is a wonderful introduction to this new adventure of dreams, along with chimes and vocals. Massimo is, by far a concert level pianist and keyboard player. I saw him sit down to a piano, without any preparation, here in Washington, and belt out Genesis’ “Firth of Fifth”, as if he had been playing the intricate song all his life. It was a fond memory, which I did record with my cellphone. “Come Heavy Sleep”, has a regal, almost national anthem sound to it. It is just under 2 minute, but I wish had been more. But I know Massimo had much more to play for us on this album. Truly more solo piano and keyboard work would just make all of his future albums that much more memorable. The music and lyrics were written by J. Dowland, and the song was arranged by Massimo Pieretti. Maria Chiara Rocchegiani sings lead vocals. Claudio Milano, sings backing vocals. Jean Luc Payssan, plays mandolin and lead guitar. Roberto Falcinelli, plays lead guitar. John Hackett, plays flutes. Rob Townsend, plays soprano sax. Marco Lo Muscio, plays church organ. Lisa Green, plays violin. Gianni Pieri, plays cello. Mirko Rovina and Mattias Olsson, play percussions. And Massimo Pieretti, plays clavicembalo, bass pedals, synths and samples.

Michael Trew on guitar, Massimo Pieretti on keyboards

Then, “Creatures of the Night – Part 1”. It is one of the first singles I heard off the new album months ago. Not really sure how to describe this one. The lyrics are written by Massimo Pieretti and G. Del Torto. Germana Noage, sings this song full of emotion. Her voice is out of this world. Massimo Pieretti’s piano playing is also dynamic and powerful. The lyrics describe difficult dreams we all remember having at one time or another. Massimo’s synths and samples add to the variety on this unique song. Massimo also adds his own backing vocals.

“Get in Line” is another of the best songs on the album. The lyrics were written by Massimo Pieretti and G. Del Torto. The song opens with Lisa Green’s violin and soft keyboards. Mauro Cipriani’s cello playing is stellar. Germana Noage and Marco Ragni sing lead and backing vocals, and truly knock it out of the park. John Hackett adds masterful flute to the soundscape which grows with each moment of elapsed time. Massimo Pieretti then adds grand piano, and eventually Hammond organ and synths to take this one over the top.

“The Chinese Witch”, is another of the unique dreams which inspired Massimo. The lyrics were written by Massimo Pieretti and G. Del Torto. Kate Nord sings wonderful and inspired lead and backing vocals. Her voice is absolutely inspiring. Maria Chiara Rocchegiani, sings lead vocals on the “Mo Li Hua”, part of the traditional Chinese folk song. Massimo Pieretti’s grand piano, and Hammond organ are also inspired. At 7:10, it is one of the longest songs on the album.

“I Dream of Flying”, is the one I have been waiting for and the best song on the album. This is the first collaboration of Michael Trew and Massimo on an album, and it is well worth the wait. The lyrics were written by Massimo Pieretti and G. Del Torto. Amy Breathe, sings backing vocals with the utmost of sincerity. Roberto Falcinelli, plays some wonderful lead guitar, and Luigi Pistillo, plays fantastic acoustic guitars. This is the reason you will buy this album, if you are lucky enough to hear it as a single. Like something magical from a beautiful movie soundtrack. It is almost four minutes long, with some wonderful Tony Banks-like keyboards that will bring back memories.

Michael Trew on vocals and Massimo Pieretti on keyboards

“Alone”, is a lead electric guitar and keyboard song of regret, for those who lead you on as friends. The lead and backing vocals are sung by Lorenzo Cortoni. Despite the tribulations throughout the song, Lorenzo reminds us, “When we fall down, We rise again!”

“The First Time We Met”, is a wonderful surprise, detailing the meeting of two people. Wonderful violin and lead guitar build the soundscape. Maybe it has some connection to the meeting of Michael Trew and Massimo Pieretti, but this sounds more like a romantic meeting. Nonetheless, it is another of the best tracks on the album. Lauren Trew, Michael’s wife, plays clarinet and bass clarinet, to top this song off with magic. Powerful electric guitar solos also light the stage well. It is a wonderful song of first encounters, whenever they occur.

“The Next Dream”, is the second longest song on the album, at just under 8 minutes. It is full of powerful lead and backing vocals by Dominic Sanderson and Kate Nord. Great keyboard playing from Massimo Pieretti. The guitar playing and soloing on this song will take you off to dreamland.

“I Dream of Flying (Acoustic)”, is another version of the song above. This time played acoustically and without the huge backing soundscape. Mostly violin and piano it is a classic reminder of times past. Germana Noage sings lead and backing vocals this time. An alternative to the original version.

Massimo Pieretti with some of his Washington fans.

“The First Time”, opens with soft piano keys and proceeds to help you drift out of conscious. It is Massimo Pieretti playing piano like I remember here, in the bold, Skagit Valley of Washington. At over 5 minutes, just let your mind wonder and your eyes close. Prepare for the album closer, which is next.

“Creatures of the Night – Part 2”, is the epic closer on the album. It opens with Massimo’s keyboards and a surprise guest, Nick Fletcher; from the John Hacket Band. Nick is also an independent artist from the UK. His lead and rhythm guitar playing is well known globally. However, Laura Piazzai, another good friend from Italy, steals the show with her direct and powerful vocals. She makes this version of the song a stand-out. Together, hearing Laura and Nick, finally in unison, is a great gift and special feature for this album. This closer is one of the best Massimo has put together yet. Good choice of talent on this one Massimo.

Massimo Pieretti The Next Dream, is a very long, (making progressive music fans grin with happiness), and extensive album. And its ability to bring out the best in its performers is a key to its success. Yes, this was a bold new, Next Dream for Massimo Pieretti, and I think he fulfilled all of his dreams…and our expectations, for now. The Next Dream is a complete and compelling story of one man’s dream to succeed. Oh yeah, and thank you for choosing that wonderful picture of Cannon Beach, Oregon and Haystack Rock. I look forward to the next chapter of the Massimo Pieretti story.

Album Track List: