AREA - Tic & Tac (1980) FLAC

Area's uncompromising blend of jazz-rock, ethnic folk, experimentation, and political philosophies made them a unique presence in Italy during the 1970s. Fronting the band's musical fusion was singer Demetrio Stratos, who embellished his own operatic technique with yodels and growls. Stratos died in 1979, and the remaining members disbanded after releasing one instrumental album. The band was formed in 1972 by various musicians that had experience in pop, avant garde, and jazz groups. The band consisted of Demetrio Stratos (born 1945, Alexandria, Egypt; died June 13, 1979, New York - voice, organ, harpsichord, percussion); Giulio Capiozzo (born 1946, Boretto, Italy drums, percussion); and Patrizio Fariselli (born 1951, Cesenatico, Italy - piano, electric piano, bass clarinet, percussion, ARP synthesizer). Guitarist Johnny Lambizzi and bassist Victor Edouard Busniello were soon replaced by Giampaolo Tofani (born 1944, Florence - electric guitar, EMS guitar synthesizer, flute) and Jan Patrick Erard Djivas (bass). Manager Gianni Sassi signed the group to the independent Cramps label, and their debut, Arbeit Macht Frei, was released in 1973. The album's bold title, cover imagery and lyrical content were packaged as a protest of fascism, and by declaring themselves an "International POPular Group," Area gave new meaning to playing music for the people. Musically, the album showed the early influence of jazz rock acts like Soft Machine and Nucleus, with hints of folk music of the Mediterranean, the Balkans and the Middle East. After the first album Djivas joined PFM and was replaced by Ares Tavolazzi (born 1948, Ferrara, Italy - bass, double bass, trombone, pocket trumpet). A second album, Caution: Radiation Area, perfected the group's unique sound, combining the punch of rock and the frightening chaos of experimental music. It also showed their continuing political activism. By dedicating one song to German guerilla activist Ulrike Meinhof, the group began to get more international press for their politics than for their music. Over the next few years Area would play benefits for controversial political causes, and they allied themselves with leftist youth and working class movements in Italy, including the socialist and communist parties. Winning a progressive music award in Italy, Crac! (1975) was the best evidence of Area'scrazy fusion: furious, mind-bending rhythms and melodies balanced with humor and the avant garde. A live album, Are(A)zione, followed in the fall of 1975....

Tracklist

1. La Torre Dell'Alchimista 5:50

2. Danza Ad Anello 5:13

3. A.S.A. 4:34

4. Lectric Rag 1:50

5. La Luna Nel Pozzo 3:41

6. Tic & Tac 4:38

7. Quartet 2:12

8. Sibarotega 4:16

9. Chantée D'Amour 4:47

10. Antes De Ablar Abra La Boca 4:22

Credits

Demetrio Stratos: voce e tastiera

Paolo Tofani: chitarra e tastiera

Ares Tavolazzi: basso

Jan Patrick Erald Dijvas: basso

Victor Edourd Busnello: sax

Giulio Capiozzo: batteria e percussioni

O Púbis da Rosa