A band from Pavia formed around 1967 from the ashes of local beat groups Gli Spettri, I
Solitari, Gli Imprevisti, they only released an album in 1971 for the small Polaris label (the
same as I Teoremi).
Alpha Ralpha Boulevard nowadays is considered a minor Italian prog classic , is housed in a
very nice cover, while music is song-based, with soft and dreamy atmospheres and good
lyrics by composer Guido Bolzoni. He had worked with some important names of the
Italian pop music (like Mina).
Some foreign influences are evident in the guitar playing of Mario Rognoni (nicknamed
Carlos for his ability in playing in Santana style), but the band’s sound has a strong, typical
Italian melodic songwriters vein. Instead of symphonic pomp, I Numi focus on straightedged
plots, based on the interplay between guitar and spinet, the excellent drumming,
while lyrics mainly dealt with human condition, and an overall sad melancholy.
The band had a good concert activity and even played at the Festival di Re Nudo in Zerbo
in 1972, one of that year’s main musical events. Also they supported acts like Banco del
Mutuo Soccorso, Patrick Samson, Franco Battiato and The Renegades. The group split
later the same year, when drummer Sollazzi left to join Lucio Dalla’s band.
Numi incarnation was reformed in 1975, this time with two keyboardists and a more
symphonic and ambitious sound. This line-up composed several concept works, the best of
them will be seen on CD in a future AMS release.
CD reissue in deluxe papersleeve edition with extended liner notes and unreleased pictures.