Sunday, March 03, 2019

AccuRadio Song Of The Day-Premiata Forneria Marconi

Artist:Premiata Forneria Marconi
Song:Il Banchetto
Album:Photos Of Ghosts





The progressive rock group Premiata Forneria Marconi (PFM) are still very popular in their native Italy. But back in the 70s they had international success when they were on Emerson Lake & Palmer's Manticore label. I knew about them at the time and they are recommended to progressive rock fans. PFM are from Milan, Italy. They were a backup band when they formed in the 60s with Franco Mussida on guitar, Flavio Premoli on keyboards, Giorgio Piazza on bass and Franz Di Cioccio on drums. They released a 1968 album as I Quelli. Flute and violinist Mauro Pagani joined and the group name was changed to Premiata Forneria Marconi after a bakery Pagani was familiar with. The name translates to Award Winning Marconi Bakery. They started out as a progressive rock cover band. They signed with RCA in Italy and their 1972 debut album Storia di un Minuto topped the Italian charts. Il Banchetto is from the 1974 album Per un Amico. Greg Lake saw them while on tour in Italy and he signed them to Manticore. Photos Of Ghosts is the same songs as Per un Amico but in English. The album was produced by former King Crimson lyricist Pete Sinfield. He also wrote the English lyrics. The album got international radio play on college radio. And the group name was shortened to PFM. This album is available as a budget CD. Piazza was replaced by Patrick Djivas. PFM released their next album in Italian and English. They toured North America and appeared on The Midnight Special. After a live album, Bernardo Lanzetti was brought in as lead singer. They released a couple more albums in English and returned to Italy. A version of PFM is still around. Franz Di Cioccio is the only original member. Their latest album was released in 2017. Progressive rock fans should check out Premiata Forneria Marconi. Here's Premiata Forneria Marconi performing Il Banchetto 1980.

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