The Gleemen quartet from Genoa is rather a typical for Italian prog groups, generally avoiding the heavily slanted symphonic influences most of their countrymen were choosing and were relying on a heavy guitar-based sound and were often hard rocking. Their first album (1970) is still regarded nowadays as a gem from collectors all over the world, although it will surprise progheads a bit with its very 60s sound and major Hendrix influences, and absolutely stupendous artwork.
Having changed their name to a more Italian sounding name (Garybaldi being some hero of the late XIXth century in Liguria and neighbouring French Provence), they proceeded to record two further album with the same heavily slanted Hendrix influences even if the keyboards are also a good part of the sound). The first one sports an astounding and complex artwork by future Italian comix superstar Guido Crepax. Sidelong tracks are a common feature in those albums and they are self-indulgent, either.
Fosastti then disbanded the group, and with drummer/singer Cassinelli went on to form La Bambibanda E Melodia that released one record late 74. Guitarist Fossati has reformed the group (although he was the only original member) during the late 80s but the general sound was much bluesier and released one album.
Somehow their short career is almost parallel to Flea/Etna group (they also changed their name while retaining the same line-up), developing the same kind of unusual (for Italy) guitarey hard prog during the same years.
gimi endrics!
frangojam 9 months ago
The Jimi Hendrix Experience made in italy!
ITEOREMI 10 months ago
Just adding a minor note: the XIXth century hero's name was Garibaldi, and maybe The One hero in the popular culture. Thus writing it with letter "y", which doesn't exist in italian alphabet, was some of a joke, explicitly recalling the american-british influences in the group's music
peppedeninno 1 year ago
premetto che è da poco che mi sono avicinato al prog....ho scoperto questa band per caso ma a parer mio è un gran disco!
gerbyxxx 1 year ago
Splendido album
arzachel79 2 years ago
Lol, Premetto che amo e adoro il prog, ma mi scazza sentire quanto abbiano voluto riproporre il sound di Hendrix....persino nel modo in cui è cantata la voce....scazzo xkè perdono di originalità....Belli cmq...
JimmyGianlu 2 years ago
I padri del progressive all'italiana. Grandi
ravethebest 2 years ago
great band from Italy...thanks for posting this song...
canterburysunrise 3 years ago