
A self-titled debut album in 1973 brought the band some European recognition, and the following year saw the lineup enlarged by the arrival of flutist Otto Corrado, guitarist Attilio Zanchi, harpist Marjon Klok, and percussionist Trilok Gurtu -- each a master of another ethnic instrument. Released in 1974, La Terra, the group's second album, is widely regarded as their masterpiece; their most ambitious project, however, was still to come. Aktuala spent much of 1975 traveling, piecing together what would become their third album in a variety of exotic locations, each of which would flavor one or more of the tracks. With Fabrizio Cassanoi's sitar and Rocchi's keyboards adding fresh textures to the brew, Tappeto Volante was released in 1976. Very well-received, and certainly an unspoken influence on a number of later European acts, Tappeto Volante was nevertheless Aktuala's final offering. The band split later that same year. Cavallanti resurfaced with Nexus, and Walter Maioli is recognized among Italy's foremost experts in prehistoric music-making. Dave Thompson
Tracklist :
1. Churinga (0:54)
2. Ugula Baliuè Arfican Planet (5:29)
3. Ohnedaruth (Dedicato a J.Coltrane) (3:38)
4. Il Ritmo del Cammello (3:10)
5. Hare (2:31)
6. Mr. Trilok (2:44)
7. Chitarra e Piffero (3:03)
8. Echo Raga (3:16)
9. Mediterraneo (2:23)
10. Flash (3:44)
11. Waruna (7:43)
12. Aksak (Zoppo) (2:43)
13. Nettuno Dio del Mare (1:27)
14. Il Sussurro dell’Anima (Bonus Track) (05:03)
Credits :
Bass – Roberto Del Piano (tracks: 9)
Drums – Filippo Monico (tracks: 9)
Guitar – Antonio Cerantola (tracks: 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12)
Harp, Tambora [Tamboura], Tambourine – Marjon Klok (tracks: 2, 3, 6, 9, 11, 12)
Kalimba [Zanza], Tambora [Tamboura], Bells – Kela Rangoni Machiavelli (tracks: 2, 3, 6, 9, 11, 12)
Keyboards – Claudio Rocchi (tracks: 8)
Music By – Aktuala, Fabrizio Cassano (tracks: 5)
Ney, Harmonica, Whistle, Flute, Bagpipes, Percussion [Churinga] – Walter Maioli (tracks: 2, 4, 6 to 9,11 to 13)
Percussion – Roberto Meazza (tracks: 4)
Recorded By – Andrea Tamassia (tracks: 2, 3, 6, 9, 11, 12), Francesco Cavalli Sforza (tracks: 10)
Sitar – Fabrizio Cassano (tracks: 5)
Tabla [Darbouka], Dholak, Soprano Saxophone – Daniele Cavallanti (tracks: 4, 5, 8, 10)
Tabla, Drums [Snake Drums], Wood Block, Cymbal – Trilok Gurtu (tracks: 2, 3, 6, 9, 11, 12)