Born in Rome but currently based in Prague, Saro Cosentino formed a blues outfit in his late teens but soon became more interested in experimental and electronic music. He collaborated with the late lamented Franco Battiato and with him he co-wrote Italy’s entry to the 1984 Eurovision Song Contest: ‘I Treni Di Tozeur’.
Cosentino’s third solo album is his first since 1997. In the 25 year gap he has been composing film/TV soundtracks and writing for/producing numerous international artists including Peter Hammill and Tim Bowness (of No Man) both of whom return the favour by appearing as guest vocalists on this album. Australian singer Karen Eden also sings on two tracks, one which, called Us (Scars on Skin), is an out and out pop song that stands apart from the AOR of the other seven prog-influenced pieces.
Cosentino is credited as playing guitars, keyboards, bass, strings and piano. He is accompanied by other musicians on cello, sax and trumpet. The seven minute instrumental Howl is a showcase for these musicians, a low key and slow building melodic piece that belies its dramatic title.
I confess I have always found it hard to love the morose voice of Peter Hammill. Fortunately, on the four tracks he sings on, his melodramatic style is tempered by Cosentino’s lush arrangements. Tim Bowness’ soft and intimate vocals couldn’t be more different although he only sings alone on the opening track: You’re The Story.
All in all, the songs have an elegantly detached quality with themes of ageing and coming to terms with one’s place in the world. File under mature listening.
