REPOST: Nova - Vimana (1976)

(Italian 1975-78)
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.More active abroad than in Italy (where only one of their 4 albums was released), Nova was a unique case of an Italian progressive group that spent almost all of its career in foreign countries. After the split of Uno, former Osanna founders Elio D'Anna and Danilo Rustici stayed in London and formed another band called Nova with other well-known Italian musicians as Corrado Rustici from Cervello and Dede Lo Previte from Circus 2000.

The band, with a stronger jazz-rock influence than their previous groups, released their first album, Blink, in 1976, aided by such big names as Pete Townshend and with help from lyricist Nick J.Sedwick (who also wrote the lyrics for Uno). A usual Osanna feeling is still in the air, but the style is changing to a more commercial kind of music. Only two of the six tracks are instrumental, the singer role been taken by Corrado Rustici, and the album has some good moments.

Since the following LP their records never gained an Italian release, the band having now stably moved to England and, since 1978, to the USA.Second album, Vimana, saw the band reduced to a trio, original members Elio D'Anna and Corrado Rustici augmented by ex-New Trolls Atomic System's keyboardist Renato Rosset and with help from international stars like Percy Jones (bass), Narada Michael Walden (drums), Phil Collins (percussion). Though some of the typical Osanna/Cervello sound elements can still be heard (listen to Elio D'Anna's sax or Corrado Rustici's frantic guitar), the band's style is slowly approaching a mainstream jazz-rock with a funky edge, and the last two albums will go to a lower level.

.The fourth and last one, Sun city was recorded in the USA in 1978 and showed a harder sound with the magic guitar of Corrado Rustici (one of the most talented guitarists from that era) in great evidence.
D'Anna then returned to Italy for a career as producer, leaving the musical scene to completely disappear, while Corrado Rustici stayed in the USA, returning back to Italy where he's long collaborated with such artists as Zucchero and Elisa, both as musician and producer. During their early days in England with Nova, both Elio D’Anna and Corrado Rustici (credited on the cover as Carrado Rusticci!) appeared on the 1976 album Sunset wading by Caravan’s bass player John G.Perry. An Italian band influenced by the Mahavishnu Orchestra's acoustic stylings, Wayne Shorter's soprano sax attack, and British art rock vocalizing. The resultant fusion is airy and pleasant. Guest drummer Narada Michael Walden pushes things incisively and contributes the catchy number "Princess and the Frog".
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I first heard Nova while browsing in one of my favourite import shops in Melbourne and was totally mesmerized by the 'Jazz Fusion' experience that came through the tiny shops speakers. Needless to say, the LP was purchased immediately and their remaining 3 albums as soon as I was financial. My favourite track on the album would have to be "Night Games" although every track has something special about it. If you like bands like 'Mahavishnu Orchestra' or Australia's very own 'Crossfire', then you will really dig Nova. I have also posted their other 3 albums on the blog for your enjoyment!

But for now, here is a freshly ripped copy of my vinyl copy of Vimana in FLAC format and includes full album artwork from LP and CD.

NEW IMPROVED RIP

.Track Listing

01. Vimana (7:18)
02. Night Games (9:37)

03. Poesia (To a Brother gone) (5:11)

04. Thru the Silence (5:43)

05. Driftwood (10:03)

06. Princess and the Frog (7:44)

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Band Members:
Corrado Rustici (Lead guitar, 6 & 12 strings & acoustic guitar, marimba, lead vocals)
Elio D'Anna (Tenor & Soprano saxes, flute, synthesized flute)

Renato Rosset (Fender Rhodes piano, acoustic piano, Mini-Moog, strings ensemble, clavinet)

Guest Artists:

Percy Jones (Bass guitar)

Narrada Micheal Walden (Drums & Fender Rhodes piano)

Phil Collins (Percussion)

Zakir Hussain (Congas)

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Nova Link (229Mb) New Link 20/12/2023

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Nova - Sun City (1978)

(Italian 1975-78)
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Nova's fourth and last LP, Sun City was recorded in the Sound City Studios in L.A in 1978 and showed a harder, funkier sound with the magic guitar of Corrado Rustici (one of the most talented guitarists from that era) being a highlight as usual. However, the album seems to lack the magic displayed in their previous albums, perhaps a consequence of their producer Narada Michael Walden having left for a solo career, leaving John Ryan to produce the album.
Best tracks for me are definitely found on Side A while those on Side B just don't seem to compare, with maybe "sailors" being an exception.

The only real plus in this album is a predominance of Barry Sunjon's lead vocals which I feel are stronger than Rustici's. "Morning Light" is definitely the standout track on this album with some awesome guitar and saxophone work by Rustici and D'Anna respectively.
I must admit when I first heard this album, I was a little disappointed as it wasn't up to the standard of their previous releases, however, after repeated plays most tracks grow on you. Needless to say, the band called it a day not long after the release of 'Sun City', with Rustici moving onto the Afro-American music scene and guitar technique of Allan Holdsworth, deciding to accept an offer by Walden to play with him in San Francisco. D'Anna moved back from America to Italy to start a career as a producer. Which seems never to have come off the ground and he was not much later disappeared from the music. Interestingly enough, Ric Parnell went on to drum for Spinal Tap !
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The rip was taken from vinyl at 320kps and includes full album artwork, including lyrics and choice photos of the band at their demise. If you haven't heard the first 3 albums, then you are better off starting with them instead (see previous Nova posts).
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Tracks Listing
Side 1
01. Morning Flight (6:04)
02. Modern Living (4:09)
03. Illusion (3:30)
04. Light were my Years (4:51)
Side 2
05. Sailors (3:45)
06. Fantaisies (3:33)
07. Lean on Me (4:00)
08. All you have (Is what you are) (3:00)
09. Starchild (4:00)

Band Members:
Corrado Rustici (guitars, vocals)
Elio D'Anna (saxes, flutes, lyricon)
Renato Rosset (keyboards)
Ric Parnell (drums, percussion)
Barry 'Sunjon' Johnson (bass, vocals)
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Nova Link (84Mb)  New Link 29/10/2015
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Nova - Blink (1975)

(Italian 1975-78)
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Initially named Uno, the band was created in London in the mid-70's by ex-members of Cervello and Osanna, namely guitarist Corrado Rustici, guitarist Danilo Rustici and sax & flute player Elio D'Anna. The roster of permanent and guest musicians spread over their four albums is impressive: Morris Pert, Phil Collins, Ric Parnell (Ibis, Atomic Rooster), Narada Michael Walden (Mahavishna Orchestra, Santana) and Franco Lo Previte (Circus 2000, Duello Madre) and that only covers the drums & percussion department. Other contributors include keyboard player Renato Rosset, classical conga virtuoso Zakir Hussain and three bassists: Percy Jones, Barry Johnson (Lenny White's band Twennynine) and Luciano Milanese.
Nova released four albums between 1976 and 1978 (see other Nova postings)

'Blink', their first LP, is not as polished as the others but still offers lengthy jams with sumptuous guitar/sax dialogues. All four albums were released by Arista (a non-Italian label) of which only 'Blink', is available on CD. Danilo Rustici left after the first album (to reform Osanna), and Renato Rosset joined Nova in his place. [extract from Nova's MySpace page]
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Review
A logical precursor to Brand X, Nova is an Italian fusion band that features the mind-numbing bass and drum interplay similar to that of Brand X, but follows through with guitar, sax and vocals as well. Vocals are in English, and unlike many Italian bands that use English vocals, the singing does not detract from the overall quality of the music. After listening a few times, I realized that Nova has four lead instruments: The guitars, sax, bass and drums all play lead-styled lines, at the same time, for the most part.

The overall product is a very complex jam with occasional vocals. Any fan of Brand X, Mahavishna Orchestra or Return to Forever will find this interesting listening.
I reckon it is fantastic - another long lost Italian classic. The point that everyone misses with Nova is that 'Blink' is a completely amazing album full of technical complexities on the level of Zappa's best. They recorded three more albums, but 'Blink' stands on its own.

The album consists of six tracks, all divided into two parts, all giving high-energy and an enthralling jazz-rock experience. The four sung tracks are in very good English (all things considered), but really this is a minor aspect as all five musos are dishing out impressive
200 kph jazz fusion with impressive technical abilities. I would not actually say they reach Mahavishna or RTF's technical and virtuosic level, but they get pretty damn close.
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Rip for this posting was taken from CD at 320kps and includes full album artwork. CD depicted below is the Japanese Mini-LP released in 1994.
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Tracks Listing
01.  Tailor made - Part 1 & Part 2 (5:09)
02.  Something inside keeps you down - Part 1 & Part 2 (6:11)
03.  Nova - Part 1 & Part 2 (7:10)
04.  Used to be easy - Part 1 & Part 2 (5:12)
05.  Toy - Part 1 & Part 2 (4:21)
06.  Stroll on - Part 1 & Part 2 (10:33)
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Band Members:
Elio D'Anna - alto (2-3-6), soprano (1-3-4) & tenor (5-6) saxes, flute (2)
Franco Loprevite - drums
Luciano Milanese - bass
Corrado Rustici - lead vocals (1-2-4-6), acoustic (2) & electric guitars
Danilo Rustici - electric guitar
Morris Pert - percussion
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Nova Link (75Mb) Link Fixed 29/10/2015
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Nova - Wings Of Love (1977)

(Italian 1975-78)
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Nova is an Italian band influenced by the Mahavishnu Orchestra's acoustic stylings, Wayne Shorter's soprano sax attack, and British art rock vocalizing. The resultant fusion is airy and melodic.
With the formidable Percy Jones and the incredible Michael Walden replaced on bass and drums by total unknowns (Barry Johnson and Ric Parnell), who would expect Wings of Love to parallel the brilliance of "Vimana"? (see my earlier Nova posting)

The core remains the same nevertheless: the Santanesque Corrado Rustici, Elio D'Anna's suave sax and woodwinds and Renato Rosset's liberal use of Fender Rhodes among other keys. This is less like Crossfire or Weather Report, and a lot funkier at times and dreamier at others with breathlessly beautiful vocals. "You are Light" is a superb opener and one of my favourite tracks on the album, which just stays solidly on track providing a series of memorable tunes, with tons of oboe, flute and sax , crossing swords with Rustici's incredible fretwork.

.There is a slight Mahavishnu / Santana vibe here, this record would partner well with Borboletta / Welcome or Visions of Emerald Beyond/ Birds of Fire. The fourth track has a real 'Focus' feel to it with flute and keyboard interplays and is a truly beautiful piece of music. Overall, this album is an extremely original recording, and very dissimilar from the previous "Vimana" or the following and somewhat disappointing "Sun City".
With "Wings of Love", the band seemed to take a new direction, what with the shorter track format and in particular bassist Barry Johnson's funky style, so different from Percy Jones. Packed with tension, rhythmic energy and technical brilliance. A treat for all jazz-fusion enthusiasts.
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This rip was taken from my near mint vinyl in FLAC format and includes full album artwork.  This is my favourite Nova album and I highly recommend it, especially if you are into Jazz Rock.
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Track Listing
01 - You Are Light
02 - Marshall Dillion
03 - Blue Lake
04 - Beauty Dream-Beauty Flame
05 - Golden Sky Boat
06 - Loveliness About You
07 - Inner Star
08 - Last Silence.

Band Members:
Elio D'Anna (saxes, flutes)
Corrado Rustici (guitars, lead vocals, percussion)
Renato Rosset (keyboards)
Barry Johnson (bass, vocals)
Ric Parnell (drums, percussion)
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Nova FLAC Link (316Mb)