A Celebration

• Artist: PFM
• Rating:
• Release Date: April 07, 1998
• Total Time: 144:03
• Type: Compilation (best of), Live
• Genre: Rock

Review

A Celebration is a generous gathering of PFM's concert recordings, taking songs from shows in Milan in 1971, the band's U.S. tour of 1974, as well as gigs in Palermo and Fano in 1976 and 1977. Both discs offer a hearty supplement of PFM's airy progressive style, with special attention drawn toward the band's keyboard and woodwind integration. In a live setting, their music seems to sound even more vivid and sprightly, and many of the tracks involve different renditions and variations than their album forms. PFM's cover of King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man" opens up the first disc, followed by Jethro Tull's "My God," setting the prog rock tone immediately, while "Bollate Keyboard Jam" and the 11-minute "Alto Loma 5 Till 9" show off their well-constructed musicianship the best. The transition of PFM's sound from a classically oriented, ethereal one to a slightly hardened, more intricate type is easily noticed as the concerts approach the end of the decade. Although flute and violin are still incorporated in their music, the guitar and percussion work becomes more gradual on the second CD. Special attention should be given to tracks like "Jet Lag" and "Out of the Roundabout" as well as a wonderful adaptation of "William Tell Overture," all representing PFM's Genesis-like influences but with their own brand of jazzy rock barrage that set them apart from other groups of prog's first wave. The Moog synthesizer dominates "Impressioni de Septembre" while, on the other side of the coin, some beautiful string work surrounds both "Violin Suite" and "Violin West Dance," offering a compelling contrast of both styles of instruments. A Celebration is a clean recording from start to finish, bringing this Italian band's prestigious reputation into the light, all within a live atmosphere. ~ Mike DeGagne, Rovi

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