DFA - 4th

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You would never guess from the unimaginative album title that DFA are one of the most imaginative jazz /prog fusion outfits around. Because they are, and this album is a fabulous example of just how good they are.

Alberto De Grandis (drums/percussion/vocals), Alberto Bonomi (keyboards/flute), Silvio Minella (guitars), and Luca Baldassari (bass) have put together a master class in just how these things should be done, combining stunning musicianship, breathtaking dexterity and memorable music, which just gets better with repeated plays.

They don't mess about, with the 14 minute plus opener, 'Baltasaurus', as near to perfect as you're likely to get, as the instruments weave in and out of each other, like migrating birds, before they calm down slightly for the Gentle Giant-esque 'Flying Trip', with some delightful mellotron touches. Then it's time for asses to be kicked as the brutal and aggressive 'Vietato Generalizzare' comes flying in to slap you around a bit. I'm not sure what's being prohibited, but I'm probably against it.

But all of these seems like a set up for the 19 minutes you're about to spend in the company of 'Mosoq Runa'. This is where they let their progressive rock tendencies off the leash, and take you a musical adventure of perpetual delights. It's back to jazzier pastures with the vocal track, 'The Mirror', before the album closes with 'La Ballata de S'isposa 'e Mannorri', another top notch slice of prog with vocals from fellow Italian group, Andhira.

An utterly delightful album, and an essential purchase for fans of jazz / prog fusion.

:twisted :twisted :twisted :twisted / 4 out of 5
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