Originally published in 1973, Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston
Seagull is a modern classic of a novel which has caught the fancy of
several generations of young (and not so young) people for often completely
different reasons. Stepping out of the printed page, it also became the subject
of a Hal Bartlett movie (soundtrack courtesy of Neil Diamond), as well as
countless other artistic representations in various fields.
The allegory of the seagull Jonathan, who refusing to follow his akin,
content to just spend their lives looking for food, rather dedicating his
existence to the exasperated improvement of his flight ability, can be seen
from many different social and even ideological points of view, but surely
represents the wish of not just conforming to society’s demands to simply toe
the line.
The Algebra project follows the plot of the book chronologically, but
while some events are clearly exposed, other are presented in a non literal
way. Musically speaking, the basic structure of a concept album can surely be
seen as belonging to progressive rock, embracing at once different influences
from jazz to folk, from fusion to opera, from classical music to a more
traditional songwriting approach, never forgetting the strength of the typical
Italian melody, which has been so appreciated abroad over the years.
The project also features some illustrious guests whose credentials
shine in the firmament of progressive rock, beginning with Steve and John
Hackett’s cameos (the former Genesis guitarist plays a short but stunning solo on
Il molo deserto, while his brother
adds his wonderful flute playing to three tracks). Two of the most
characteristic singers of the 70’s also can be heard within: the dreamy voice
of Le Orme’s Aldo Tagliapietra (who introduces the protagonist of the story)
and the raving singing of Osanna’s Lino Vairetti, who is instead asked to
render Jonathan’s frustration when he can’t manage to improve his flight
skills.
But the project also showcases artists of completely different
backgrounds such as Italian-Serbian songwriter Goran Kuzminac, who shows
Jonathan’s sadness when he is emarginated from the Elder seagull, or rocker
Graziano Romani, who jabs out the protagonist’s grimness when faced with a
change in his spiritual growth, recounting the meeting with the seagull who
will cast him towards the much sought-after perfection.
An absorbing sonic adventure which, in the space of just less than one
hour, will allow to the listener join in on a trip with no limits, in an unlimited idea of freedom.
Algebra
JL
AMS173CD