Alphataurus

Hailing from Milan, Alphataurus was another of the many Italian groups that seemingly came out of nowhere during the boom of Rock progressivo Italiano in the early 70s. Consisting of keyboardist and composer Pietro Pellegrini, guitarist Guido Wasserman, bassist Alfonso Oliva, drummer Giorgio Santandrea and vocalist Michele Bavaro, the band formed in 1970, played some festivals over the ensuing years, which eventually earned a recording contract with Vittorio and Antonio De Scalzi’s Magma label. Their debut album, packaged in a stunning tri-fold cover adorned with an anti-war painting by Adriano Marangoni, is generally regarded as one of the finest from Italy. But what makes it even more magical, is that it’s Alphataurus’ debut record. Sure, Vittorio De Scalzi may have had a hand in it-he wrote the lyrics (credited as Funky). “Pecatto d’Orgoglio” (“Sin of Pride”) begins with a hint of fusion, but from there the acoustic guitar takes over, and we’re introduced to Bavaro’s fine, forceful tenor. “Dopa l’Uragano” (“After the Hurricane”) offers a little blues riffing, while the brief “Croma” offers Pellegrini a chance to show his wares. The lengthy “La Mente Vola” (“The Mind Flies”) is truly epic; a classic example of Rock progressivo Italiano. The band really goes through the paces on the finale, “Ombra Muta” (“Shedding Shadows”), revealing some British influences along the way. Very much of the era, it’s hard to believe that the band came with this straight out of the box with this album-most English bands took albums to develop. Alphataurus began recording a second album, but the group fell apart during the sessions, leaving partially completed (no vocals) tapes for the vaults. Of the band members, only Pellegrini appeared to have a later career in music, working with Ricardo Zappa, Fabrizio De André and others, though Bavaro released an album in the late 80s.