Mass Media Stars

The Acqua Fragile story begins in 1971 in the city of Parma with two bands, Il Moschettieri ("The Musketeers") and Gli Immortali ("The Immortals"). The former included bassist Franz Dondi, keyboardist Maurizio Mori and guitarist Gino Campanini and supported The Rolling Stones on their first Italian tour; while the latter offered vocalist Bernardo Lanzetti and drummer and primary composer Piero Canavera. The new band, spotted and adopted by Premiata Forneria Marconi and their management, spent the next couple of years supporting many foreign acts in Italy. They signed to Numero Uno, and Claudio Fabi produced their debut album in 1973. Acqua Fragile is very much in the style of early Charisma-era Genesis; but, in a unique twist for an Italian band of this era, featured English-language lyrics—sung by the vibrato-laden voice of Lanzetti, who, conveniently enough, had spent his college years in the US. Their second album, Mass Media Stars, was released in 1974 and saw release in the US on Import Records. "Cosmic Mind Affair" blasts off with the band's trademark harmonies, bouncing over capable, lively Rock progressivo italiano. "Bar Gazing" reveals the band's gentler, acoustic side, while the title track opens with some intricate interplay over a great bass line from Dondi before arriving at the first verse. "Professor" has that playful lilt and rich vocals that exemplify Acqua Fragile's music. Overall, the album is a big step up from their previous effort, but it wouldn't last. Mori then left the band to resume university, and Lanzetti joined PFM for their Chocolate Kings album. The addition of The Trip's keyboardist Joe Vescovi and vocalist Roby Facini from the pop group I Dik Dik did not change Acqua Fragile's fortunes however, and the band broke up in 1975.