Nova-Blink (1975)

Fondly remembered by European fans of 1970s progressive jazz-rock, Nova was an Italian band formed by members of other Italian groups such as Osanna and Cervello. These included guitarists Corrado and Danilo Rustici, who, along with saxophonist Elio D'Anna, formed the band in London in the mid-seventies. Between 1975 and 1978, they released four superb albums focused on expansive, jazz-oriented progressive improvisations. Given the instrumental prowess of its members and their growing reputation, they soon secured a deal with Arista Records to finance their debut album, released in 1975 under the title "Blink". This first release featured, in addition to Rustici and D'Anna, bassist Luciano Milanese, drummer Franco Lo Previte, and Morris Pert, percussionist for Brand X. Composed of an eclectic fusion of styles ranging from jazz rock to sumptuous funk rhythms and intense blues rock, all underpinned by grand instrumental passages. From the powerful jazz rock with a blues undercurrent of "Tailor Made", to solid exercises in classic and heavy rock such as "Something Inside Keeps You Down", spirited jazz fusion with funky rhythms like "Nova" and "Toy", and dizzying blues rock like "Stroll On", this album, while lacking the consistency of their later releases, showcases the diverse guitar styles of its two leaders and the driving force of the rhythm section. These elements, combined with creative musical lines, make Nova's debut album a truly remarkable listening experience of high-level progressive jazz rock.