(Canterbury/Avant-Prog/Fusion/) Picchio Dal Pozzo - Pic nic@Valdapozzo - 2004, FLAC (image+.cue) lossless

The band formed in Genoa in 1973. Its name, Picchio dal Pozzo, which roughly translates as 'The Woodpecker Of The Well', derived from a ‘nonsense poem’ written by the band's first sax player, Giorgio Karaghiosoff. The poem appeared on a track on the band's first, self-titled album, released by the Italian Grog label in 1975. At the time, the band was a studio-only entity, a quartet consisting of Aldo De Scalzi (keyboards and voice), Giorgio Karaghiosoff (sax and flute), Andrea Beccari (bass), and Paolo Griguolo (guitar).

From www.progarchives.com:
The fact that this album features not only new material by Picchio dal Pozzo but also incorporates posthumous parts by legendary Area frontman Dimitrio Stratos should be enough to spur the fans of either or both ensembles into action, but here are this reviewer's thoughts on a rather special disc.
If PdP's self-titled showed their canterbury side and "Abbiamo Tutti..." was their RIO-inspired album, then Picnic at Valdapozzo could be said to be their avant-soundscape album, for the atmosphere is chill (as opposed to chilled) and ghostly, appropriate enough for a CD that captures Mr. Stratos' remarkable utterances - no singing, just constant experimental babbling, whispers and fuzzed-out chanting from beyond the grave. Sparse, minimal jazz provides a steady foundation, fronted of course by the signature saxophone play but backed with brushed drums and chiming, tuned percussion. Guitars don't play much of a role here, although muted plucking and harmonic twiddlings can be discerned in places and Mr. Griguolo does get to converse with Lugo's romantic saxophony during "Pugni Chiusi". Each musician is primarly contributing taste and incidence; when the question of structure is broached they reliably change the subject until "Boccasedrio", at which time a groove around vibes and bass forms (becoming comparable to the less immediate works of Jaga Jazzist) where, peculiarly, Mr. Stratos' voice alternates between dalek-speak and a baffling human reverse-cymbal effect. Strange but true.

To segue between the album's acts (not defined as such, but here's where Dimitrio's role ends) a short, poignant song entitled "Epitaffio" (this reviewer's italian is appalling but the gesture here is obvious) serves as a bridge into the improv section of "Picnic"; the extended closer "Valdapozzo" is dedicated in name to the farmhouse-turned-studio in which the album was recorded, and the proceedings are very tasteful and relaxed - each player gets a "room" to himself and explores his instrument. As ever, this being a PdP album, the saxophone steals the show.

Although much album space is alloted for texture and mood, this well-judged release never drops into drone or indistinguishable avant-garde flutterings on the edge of hearing - even so, a little patience when listening to Picnic at Valdapozzo will be rewarded. Giving this disc the five full stars would overstate its prog content and its worthiness compared to the previous three albums. Still, you don't have to be a completist to pick this up after you own "Camere Zimmer Rooms" - it stands up well as a testament to the enduring talent of these musicians, as well as that of a certain artist who, sadly, didn't endure for quite as long as we'd hoped.

From www.proggnosis.com:
Picchio dal Pozzo is back after 23 years with a new recording which was prompted after some old recordings of the 'good times' came back to light - recordings which contained the incredible voice experimetation and creativity of the late Demetrio Stratos (Area).
In October 2002 the band met in the town of Valdapozzo (Alessandria-Italy) for a week of 'full immersion' sessions. Now you should know a few things:

Picchio dal Pozzo self-titled first album, is something totally different dear readers.
Picchio dal Pozzo second album, ,Abbiamo Tutti I Suoi Problemi, is something totally different from Pic_nic@Valdapozzo as well as his first one.
Picchio dal Pozzo third album, Camere Zimmer Rooms, is something totally different from Pic_nic@Valdapozzo as well as his first one but does have some strong links with Abbiamo Tutti I Suoi Problemi. With this background - I can now tell you that Picchio dal Pozzo's Pic_nic@Valdapozzo CD is something totally unexpected!
Perhaps you are familiar with PdP and thinking you want to have this CD because you know the previous albums and you are thinking to yourself "mettiamo il caso che"... well I say to you 'good luck!' because that kind of music is not to be found here. Instead, the first impact is very strong because music is similar to ambient-meets-freejazz. The strange vocalizations and abstract situations will completely blow you away!! Electronic landscapes with obscure filtered samples during far sax interludes and drum machines bring the idea over the top.

After my own tears that this album does not sound like the previous ones let me give you an idea of what you will find here: long spiraling music, electronics, filters, obscure flashes, and tunes of pure degeneration and absolute imaginary sounds. There are the grounds on which rid thes sax wonderings, vibraphone talkings. It is the kind of music that moves your hair while you listen. The sounds are long and mixed up with the ground ambience - and in fact seem to bubble up from a more distant place (a sink perhaps) if I think about it. Added to this are the distorted solos! Now I realize that these descriptions may appear to be somewhat strange - but I have to admit that I have been playing this album daily for the past 2 weeks and it has turned my head into a strange "mode".

Track 4, Boccasedrio has moments in which I hear the PdP I have loved in the past and for this reason it is the track I like most on this album. But in the end, when you buy this CD you will be getting something that has too few links with the past. It may grow on you - but I think only with repeated listening sessions.

On this, my friends and I are in accord - - a response of "we do not like it" followed by - - "but hell, I am not sure".

Conclusion:
On Saturday 2 October 2002 Picchio had a "great dinner" with the Valdapozzo people and in the booklet you can see a photo of pears cooked with red wine. Following dinner it recorded this "Valdapozzo"music. I imagine when listening to this CD that it is a bit like meeting the Picchio and Demetrio in a studio working and experimenting new styles. But be aware, that this is not like the PdP you have heard in the past.

- Aldo De Scalzi / keyboards
- Paolo Griguolo / guitars
- Aldo Di Marco / drums, percussion, vibraphone
- Claudio Lugo / saxophone

Guest:
- Dimitrio Stratos / voice