EZRA WINSTONE - ANCIENT AFTERNOONS - 1996

Hailed as one of the most influential Italian prog bands of the 1980's, Ezra Winston took a variety of styles and became a melting pot for all sorts of colors and emotions in music. Any given song could start off with a definite neo feel, but then angle off into jazz or classical reminiscent of medieval times. Ezra Winston weren't content with following a certain path, but blazing trails not often heard in neo progressive music.

In 1988 the band (consisting of Mario Bianchi on rhythm samples, synthesizers, piano, organ, Mauro Di Donato on solo samples, synthesizers, vocals, bass, Daniele Iacono on drums, percussion, vibes, Paolo Lucini on flute, piccolo, and Fabio Palmieri on classical & electric guitars) released Myth of the Chrysavides, the music is a mixture of classic Camel with a bit of Steve Hackett thrown in. A very daring debut by a band eager to make a name for themselves.

In 1990, Ezra Winston returned with the adventurous Ancient Afternoons, which has been widely acclaimed as a masterpiece. For example, the opening of the first track, the Painter represented by a lone flute is answered by the King, played by the entire band. As described by Remco Schoenmakers of DPRP, "The main track, the 26 minute symphonic poem of Ancient Afternoon also combines all previously mentioned style-figures. It is quite chilling in atmosphere, calm yet threatening, despite the classical opening, which reminded me of some wedding track. Wonderful movements flow seamlessly into each other. The 1996 bonus track Shades of Grey is also very nice, indeed sounding a bit more modern."

At the time of this update, it is unknown what is ahead for Ezra Winston. According to the band's website, guitarist Fabio Palmieri has left the band and has been replaced by Steve Pontani, who played sparingly on Ancient Afternoons.


Hey, my first review! Have it in my car and let me tell you, it has the Genesis "Trespass" sound down pat. If Hackett played on the "Trespass" album with an Italian singing Peter Gabrielish and you added some low-key and beautiful horns and a load of flute, you have this album in a nutshell. It's autumnal, intricate and has that 70's style recording. Most songs are lengthy and just plain beautiful. So, if your cup of tea is 'Trespass' era Genesis with a smattering of horns to fill in the grey areas, go out and buy this album. You will not be disappointed! A solid four stars.
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