Celeste - Celeste (1976) | CLOCKWORK PEACH

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

Introduction to Celeste

"Celeste," also known as "Principe di un Giorno," is the debut studio album by the Italian band Celeste. Released in 1976 under Grog Records (catalog number GRL 04301), the album showcases the talents of a group that emerged from the proto-prog band Il Sistema. The recording took place in 1974 at Studio G in Genoa, Italy.

Musical Composition

The album consists of seven tracks, each contributing to a rich soundscape. Celeste deliberately steers clear of heavy rock drumming, opting instead for a delicate and melancholic atmosphere. The instrumental palette includes acoustic guitars, dual flutes, violin, spinet, grand piano, and lush layers of Mellotron and ARP synthesizers. This approach aligns the band with the pastoral prog subgenre of Rock Progressivo Italiano.

Band Lineup

The lineup features prominent musicians: Ciro Perrino plays percussion, flute, recorder, Mellotron, and xylophone, and also contributes vocals and songwriting. Leonardo Lagorio handles acoustic and electric pianos, Mellotron, and various synthesizers, including the ARP Odyssey and ARP 2600. Mariano Schiavolini adds acoustic and electric guitars and violin, while Giorgio Battaglia plays bass guitar and pedal steel guitar. Special effects for the album are credited to Aldo De Scalzi.

Influences and Comparisons

Musically, "Celeste" draws comparisons to influential bands such as King Crimson and early Genesis. The style reflects the atmospheric quality found in albums like "In The Court of the Crimson King" and "Trespass." The lush arrangements and intricate instrumentation contribute to the album's standing in the genre.

Recording Details

"Celeste" was recorded at Studio G in Genoa, Italy, in 1974. The meticulous production process under Aldo De Scalzi ensured a polished sound that highlights the band's unique style.

Conclusion

The album features seven tracks, including "Principe Di Giorno" and "Favole Antiche."

Tracklist

A1	Principe Di Un Giorno Bass, Pedalboard, Xylophone – Giorgio BattagliaGuitar [Chitarre], Violin – Mariano SchiavoliniPercussion, Flute, Mellotron, Vocals – Ciro PerrinoPiano [Piano Acustico], Electric Piano, Flute, Alto Saxophone [Sax Alto], Mellotron, Synthesizer [Eminent] – Leonardo Lagorio
A2	Favole Antiche Bass, Choir – Giorgio BattagliaGuitar [Chitarre], Violin, Choir – Mariano SchiavoliniPercussion, Flute, Recorder, Vocals, Choir, Xylophone – Ciro PerrinoPiano [Pianoforte Acustico], Electric Piano, Flute, Synthesizer [Arp 2600, Eminent], Mellotron, Choir – Leonardo Lagorio
A3	Eftus Bass – Giorgio BattagliaEffects [È Qui - Si È] – Aldo De ScalziFlute, Synthesizer [Arp 2600], Mellotron – Leonardo LagorioGuitar [Chitarre], Vocals – Mariano SchiavoliniPercussion, Flute, Vocals – Ciro Perrino
B1	Giochi Nella Notte Bass, Electric Guitar – Giorgio BattagliaGuitar [Chitarre], Violin – Mariano SchiavoliniPercussion, Flute, Mellotron, Vocals, Recorder – Ciro PerrinoPiano [Piano Acustico], Electric Piano, Flute, Synthesizer [Arp 2600], Mellotron, Saxophone [Sax Contralto], Tenor Saxophone – Leonardo Lagorio
B2	La Grande Isola Bass – Giorgio BattagliaGuitar [Chitarre] – Mariano SchiavoliniPercussion, Flute, Vocals – Ciro PerrinoPiano [Pianoforte Acustico], Synthesizer [Arp 2600], Flute, Mellotron – Leonardo Lagorio
B3	La Danza Del Fato Bass – Giorgio BattagliaGuitar [Chitarre] – Mariano SchiavoliniPercussion, Flute, Vocals – Ciro PerrinoPiano [Piano Acustico], Electric Piano, Flute, Spinet, Synthesizer [Arp Odyssey] – Leonardo Lagorio
B4	L'imbroglio Bass – Giorgio BattagliaEffects [Plop] – Aldo De ScalziFlute – Leonardo LagorioGuitar – Mariano SchiavoliniPercussion, Vocals – Ciro Perrino