Area

Label: Cramps Records
Country: Italy
Released: 1976
Format: Vinyl,LP,Album

Exploring Maledetti (Maudits)

Released in December 1976, "Maledetti (Maudits)" marks the fourth studio album by the Italian band Area. This album was issued by Cramps Records and reflects a notable shift towards free jazz and avant-garde composition. The band’s sound incorporates various elements of rock, electronic music, and jazz, placing it within the realms of progressive rock and free improvisation.

Collaborative Efforts

The album features contributions from a host of guest musicians, enhancing its rich texture. Notable among them are soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy and percussionist Paul Lytton, both of whom are linked to the European free jazz movement. The track "Gerontocrazia" incorporates the txalaparta, a traditional Basque percussion instrument, played by Anton and Jose Arze. This diverse instrumentation contributes to the album's experimental nature.

Conceptual Framework

Maledetti is loosely wrapped around the idea of an imaginary historical archive. The narrative suggests a loss of records from the 15th century, affecting how 20th-century people perceive their predecessors. The opening track "Evaporazione" introduces this theme, setting a tone of exploration and inquiry into the past. The album's complexity is further illustrated by "Il Massacro di Brandeburgo Numero Tre in Sol Maggiore," which features a string quartet led by Umberto Benedetti Michelangeli, drawing inspiration from Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major.

Track Features

Each track on the album presents a distinct sonic landscape. "Diforisma Urbano" and "Caos (Parte Seconda)" emphasize improvisation and electronic elements, showcasing the band’s versatility. The integration of prepared piano and electronics by Patrizio Fariselli and Demetrio Stratos respectively adds depth to the compositions. The album reflects Area's commitment to pushing musical boundaries while engaging with complex themes.

"Maledetti (Maudits)" was released as a vinyl LP, providing an authentic listening experience that aligns with the era's musical culture.

Tracklist

A1	Evaporazione Electronics, Drums – Paolo TofaniInstruments [Kazumba] – Eugenio Colombo	1:45
A2	Diforisma Urbano Bass Guitar – Hugh BullenDouble Bass – Ares TavolazziDrums – Walter CalloniSoprano Saxophone – Steve Lacy	6:18
A3	Gerontocrazia Double Bass – Ares TavolazziSoprano Saxophone – Steve LacyTxalaparta – Anton ArzeTxalaparta – Josè Arze	7:30
A4	Scum Bells, Electronics [Voice Filter] – Demetrio StratosPiano – Patrizio Fariselli	6:30
B1	Il Massacro Di Brandeburgo Numero Tre In Sol Maggiore Double Bass – Giorgio GarulliViola – Armando BurattinViolin – Umberto Benedetti MichelangeliVioloncello – Paolo Salvi	2:20
B2	Giro, Giro, Tondo Bass Guitar – Hugh BullenDrums – Walter CalloniPercussion – Paul LyttonPiano – Demetrio StratosPiano – Patrizio Fariselli	5:55
B3	Caos (Parte Seconda) Percussion – Paul LyttonPiano [Prepared] – Patrizio FariselliSoprano Saxophone – Steve Lacy	9:00