maxophone (clear vinyl)

• Format: 180-gram crystal-clear vinyl LP
• Edition: Limited clear-vinyl reissue
• Packaging: Gatefold sleeve reproducing the original artwork

Maxophone is the sole 1970s studio album by the celebrated Milanese group and one of the most accomplished recordings from the classic Italian progressive-rock era.

Formed in Milan in 1973, Maxophone brought together six musicians with backgrounds in both classical music and rock. This unusual combination allowed the group to create highly detailed arrangements in which electric guitar, Hammond organ and rhythm section interact with piano, flute, saxophone, clarinet, French horn, trumpet, vibraphone and acoustic instruments.

“C’è un Paese al Mondo” immediately demonstrates the breadth of the group’s approach, moving from delicate piano and woodwind passages into powerful guitar, organ and brass-led sections. “Fase” introduces a harder jazz-rock edge, while “Al Mancato Compleanno di una Farfalla” balances acoustic textures and lyrical vocals with intricate symphonic development.

The second side continues with the dramatic “Elzeviro” and the colourful “Mercanti di Pazzie,” whose shifting instrumental combinations highlight the musicians’ conservatory training. The extended “Antiche Conclusioni Negre” closes the album with choral vocals, heavy progressive passages and an elaborate orchestral conclusion.

Originally released in 1975, the album appeared comparatively late in the first wave of Italian progressive rock and did not receive the recognition achieved by groups such as Premiata Forneria Marconi, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso or Le Orme. It has since become regarded as a major example of Rock Progressivo Italiano, admired for its sophisticated compositions and exceptional instrumental variety.

This AMS Records edition presents the original Italian-language album on 180-gram crystal-clear vinyl, housed in a gatefold reproduction of the original sleeve.

Personnel:

Alberto Ravasini – lead vocals, bass, acoustic guitar and flute
Roberto Giuliani – electric guitar, piano and vocals
Sergio Lattuada – Hammond organ, keyboards and vocals
Maurizio Bianchini – French horn, trumpet, vibraphone, percussion and vocals
Leonardo Schiavone – clarinet, flute and saxophone
Sandro Lorenzetti – drums and percussion

Track listing:

Side A
1. C’è un Paese al Mondo – 6:39
2. Fase – 7:04
3. Al Mancato Compleanno di una Farfalla – 5:52

Side B
1. Elzeviro – 6:47
2. Mercanti di Pazzie – 5:21
3. Antiche Conclusioni Negre – 8:54