WORDS ARE ALL WE HAVE: THE REISSUE OF FJIERI’S SECOND ALBUM, THE PROG SUPERGROUP LED BY STEFANO PANUNZI, HAS BEEN RELEASED
Those who follow my Musicamuorz column on Instagram will remember that I previously talked about Stefano Panunzi in a reel, a talented Roman keyboardist born in 1958 with numerous solo releases in the rock-progressive genre.
However, in this post, I will talk about his parallel project, a true supergroup named FJIERI!
IN THE NAME OF PROG MUSIC
Initially including Elio Lori (bass) and Angelo Strizzi (drums, percussion), the project brings together high-level musicians united by their love for progressive rock. The intention is to form a band where each member feels free to explore, experiment, and create new music.
However, the project remains in its embryonic state for several years, taking flight only when British keyboardist Richard Barbieri (a founding member of Japan) listens to their compositions.
Barbieri is so enthusiastic about the band that he decides to contribute his skills to its growth. He thus decides to produce the group’s debut album, which also benefits from the assistance of additional prestigious collaborators.
ENDLESS
And so, in 2009, “Endless” sees the light, the first album by FJIERI twelve years after the group’s foundation. The album features artists like Gavin Harrison (formerly of Porcupine Tree) and English singers Tim Bowness and Jakko Jakszyk, the current voice of King Crimson.
The album has a modern prog touch and also nods to jazz, especially with the use of trumpets and saxophone, showcasing the group’s compositional skills. In particular, the bass stands out as a distinctive element, capable of contributing significantly to the development of sophisticated and rhythmically engaging music.
Words Are All We Have
The second album by FJIERI, “Words Are All We Have” was released in 2015 and once again features Bowness, Harrison, and Jakszyk. It’s a fantastic progressive art-rock album, excellently arranged and produced, showcasing sophisticated songwriting that highlights the class and stylistic signature of the musicians involved in the project, who appear here in a state of absolute grace.But, if its original version was already of remarkable quality, the reissue of the album (released in February 2024) adds further elements of quality to the work, introducing novelties in artwork, mastering, and song arrangements.
Moreover, there’s the addition of a majestic instrumental bonus track, “A Sense Of Lost,” seamlessly integrated with the rest of the album, including notable tracks like “Before I Met You,” “Not Waving, But Drowning,” and “Hidden Bonds.”
So, for those with a fondness for progressive rock, as well as refined atmospheres, melancholic melodies, captivating basslines, and imaginative riffs reminiscent of Japan, No-Man, and Porcupine Tree, my advice is to give it a listen here: you won’t be disappointed!
Written by Silvia Nasti
