NAPOLI CENTRALE - NAPOLI CENTRALE - 1975

NAPOLI CENTRALE were born after a melodic soft prog/beat group named ''Showmen'' split with founder members James Senese (saxes,flutes,vocals) and Franco Del Prete (drums,percussion) carrying on to form this very good jazz/fusion act.Joined by American keyboardist Mark Harris and English bassist Tony Walmsley NAPOLI CENTRALE released firstly a single (''Campagna/Vico promo parise n.8'') and soon after their eponymous debut on Ricordi Label.

Not far from the sound established by RETURN TO FOREVER and WEATHER REPORT and followed by their compatriots NOVA,the band created a nice jazz rock album sung entirely by Senese in the neapolitan dialect with the typical elements met in good jazz musicians.A very complex rhythm section supports the alternating smooth/heavy playing of Senese mainly on saxes with a slight dose of flutes here and there.Mark Harris prooves to be excellent keyboard player with his Fender electric piano dominating the compositions with rich and well-arranged passages,often accompanied by Senese's saxes.There are also some AREA-related parts with very improvisational vocal performance and intense musicianship to close the band's trully strong profile.Dealing with social issues,a famous subject of discussion in mid-70's Italy,NAPOLI CENTRALE were both talented musicians and sceptic citizens and their debut is good introduction to their skillful sound. Recommended,especially for jazz/fusion lovers!
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