(Jazz Rock/Fusion/Prog Rock) Nova - Wings of Love - 1977, FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

#777Nova biography

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), Narrada Michael Walden (SANTANA) and Franco Lo Previte (CIRCUS 2000, DUELLO MADRE) f{ and that only covers the drums & percussion department. Other contributors include keyboard player Renato Rosset (NEW TROLLS ATOMIC SYSTEM), classical conga virtuoso Zakir Hussain and three bassists: Percy Jones, Barry Johnson (Lenny White's band TWENNYNINE) and Luciano Milanese. As you will have guessed by now, their sound a lot like BRAND X (note that NOVA are not totally instrumental but their vocals are kept to a minimum).
They released four albums between 1976 and 1978. ¡§Blink¡¨, being the first, is not as polished as the others but still offers lengthy jams with sumptuous guitar/sax dialogues. The more mature "Vimana", a Robert Lumley production, focuses on compositions rather than technical wizardry and is considered their best; among other goodies, it showcases bassist Percy Jones¡¦ pleasantly fluid fretless style as well as guitarist Danilo Rustici who truly shines throughout (echoes of John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, John Goodsall and Larry Coryell come to the mind). 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¡¦. Their final release, "Sun City", features still shorter tracks and an even funkier edge, the overall feel approaching mainstream jazz rock. No matter which one you pick, however, all albums are packed with tension, rhythmic energy and technical brilliance. A treat for all fusion enthusiasts.

Highly recommended to fans of BRAND X, RETURN TO FOREVER, WEATHER REPORT and BILL BRUFORD.

: : : Lise (HIBOU), CANADA : : :
/progarchives.com/

#777[#777Nova - Wings Of Love
3.54 | 14 ratings | 5 reviews | 29% 5 stars

I am desperate for the CD version of this stunningly unknown, underappreciated jewel. My vinyl copy is almost fossilized by now, so I continue the vigil. With the formidable Percy Jones and the incredible Michael Walden replaced on bass and drums by total unknowns, who would expect Wings of Love to parallel the brilliance of "Vimana" ? The core remains : 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 Brand X , a lot funkier at times and dreamier at others with breathlessly beautiful vocals. "You are Light" is a superb opener 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/Caravanserai or Visions of Emerald Beyond/ Birds of Fire. Extremely original recording , very dissimilar from the previous "Vimana" or the following and disappointing "Sun City" . A unique prog gem that deserves more attention and errr ...a CD edition, please. Is there anyone out there who agrees with me ? 5

Review by tszirmay
/progarchives.com/

Art Direction – John Dyer (4)
Artwork [Sleeve Art] – Paul Maxwell (5)
Bass Guitar, Wind Chimes – Barry Johnson
Design [Reissue Staff; Design] – Kazvnori Akita
Drums, Percussion – Ric Parnell
Engineer – Jerry Smith (11)
Engineer [Mastering] – Ray Staff
Lead Guitar, Acoustic Guitar [12 And 6 String], Glockenspiel, Triangle, Gong, Lead Vocals, Co-producer [Assistant Producer] – Corrado Rustici
Management [Product Director] – Shigeru Sekiguchi
Photography By – Jonathan Malcolm-Green
Piano [Fender Rhodes, Acoustic], Synthesizer [Mini Moog, Poly Moog], Clavinet, Organ [Hammond] – Renato Rosset
Producer – Narada Michael Walden
Remastered By – Koji Tanaka
Saxophone [Soprano, Tenor, Alto, Baritone], Flute – Elio D'Anna