Carpani, Alex: The Good Man

The sixth studio release from the Italian multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Alex Carpani is a winner. It is made up of two lengthy (28 minute plus) concept suites, each with nine parts. The first suite deals with a day in the life of an amnesiac. The second describes the decisions and events, past and present, people have to grapple with to live an honest and satisfying life.

I won’t go into the individual tracks for each of the suites because they are meant to be listened to as a whole, and that is how I approached the album. While nine of the 18 total tracks are listed as instrumentals, the total instrumental time is much greater, as Carpani’s sometimes soaring vocals are sparse. And what music it is: great symphonic prog that draws from the 70s and features more modern takes on the genre also.

English is not Carpani’s native language, but you wouldn’t know it from the lyrics. Although there aren’t many of them, they are evocative. Combined with the music, one gets the sense of the concepts he aims to present, and the story arcs are well structured.

Carpani has a knack for attracting gifted guest musicians for his albums. On his last release, Microcosm, David Cross (formerly of King Crimson) played violin, David Jackson (formerly of Van der Graaf Generator) played saxophone and flute, and Jon Davison (currently of Yes) provided vocals, for instance. This time around, Carpani is joined by Bruno Farinelli (drums), Giambattista Giorgi (bass), Emiliano Fantuzzi (guitars), Alessio Alberghini (soprano sax), and Valentina Vanini (mezzo-soprano voice).

The Good Man will be released on December 6th. I recommend checking it out, as well as the rest of Carpani’s catalog.

Track Listing
Amnesiac (28:42)
1. On A Train (2:09) instrumental
2. The Perfect Chaos (4:41)
3. Flashbacks (1:30) instrumental
4. The Edge Of My Mind (3:56)
5. Diamond In The Rough (1:55)
6. Past Life (3:12) instrumental
7. Heart Calling (2:51)
8. As Light Returns (4:03) instrumental
9. End Of The Day (4:21) instrumental

Good And Evil (28:25)
10. Lost Frequencies (1:17) instrumental
11. The Flow (3:54)
12. P.T.S.D. (3:33)
13. Stillness and Ecstasy (2:33) instrumental
14. Flirting With Darkness (3:40)
15. Mystical (5:51) instrumental
16. Leaving The Path (1:52)
17. Masquerade (2:42) instrumental
18. Everything Falls Into Place (3:09)

Added: December 1st 2024
Reviewer: Aaron Steelman
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 524
Language: english

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