New Trolls – Tempi Dispari

Originally published in 1974 by Magma (2) in Italy, although credited to New Trolls and substantially the second chapter of the brackets NT Atomic System, released after the first "NT Atomic System" (1973). After the release of ''Ut'' (1972), New Trolls were divided into two sections, with Nico Di Palo went to form the Ibis, with the 'intent to enhance the side more' hard rock sound of New Trolls while Vittorio De Scalzi continue 'under the name NT Atomic System, suspended between progressive rock and jazz influences are very strong in this "Tempi Dispari", disc totally instrumental consists of two long tracks that take their entire facades, near some English jazz-rock. Engraved from the original New Trolls Vittorio De Scalzi and Giorgio D' Adamo with Giorgio Baiocco, Renato Rosset (who will join soon to Nova (38) in London') and the already 'hyperactive Tullio De Piscopo, a very special chapter in the history of New Trolls, who will soon see to 'work together once again De Scalzi and Di Palo.

It's almost unbelievable the drastic change of direction this edition of New Trolls (called N.T. Atomic System because of legal reasons, but this particular release bears the New Trolls name, seemingly the legal matter had finally been solved by this time, Vittori De Scalzi was able to continue on as New Trolls while Nico Di Palo was by now continuing on with his band as Ibis). The album just called N.T. Atomic System very much stayed in the prog direction (with the exception of the folk rock of "Butterfly"). This one is all-out fusion, and they do a great job at it too! This was recorded live, and this is just full of killer playing from all around. Lots of electric piano, synths, guitar and organ are also used, plus sax. There is a part where a theme from Concerto Grosso per 1 is revisited (briefly) to let you know this is New Trolls, or at least a version with Vittorio De Scalzi clearly in charge. It appears many seem to dislike this album and refer to it as a "disappointment". I can't understand why. Probably those expecting another one like the 1973 N.T. Atomic System album and instead got fusion. If you love fusion, you'll love this. It's definitely not your typical New Trolls release. Certainly an album I'd recommend any fusion fan wanting to venture out of their Weather Report/Mahavishnu Orchestra/Return to Forever comfort zone. I like it when a band I already enjoy tries something different but still put out a great album, and Tempi Dispari proves that. Your fusion collection just isn't complete without it.

Oh yeah, I typed "Tempi dispari" in the Google Translate, and it translates as "Odd time signatures". That sounds about right. It makes sense given the front cover bears all those numbers. Plus the track titles were apparently the meters the band were performing in. But I found it amusing the album called track two "13/18", when there's no such thing as a "13/18" meter as there's no such thing as an 18th note. But the label on the original LP does call it "13/8" which at least makes sense, meaning 13 eighth notes to the bar. "7/4" being the meter of the first cut. Odd meters were common in jazz, so no surprise why this album should lean closer to jazz, or at least jazz rock and fusion.