Mangala Vallis - The Book of Dreams (2002)

Mangala Vallis is an Italian neo-progressive/symphonic rock group. Although I label them neo-progressive because of clear similarities to Spock's Beard, they also have a very 70s progressive feel with a lot of similarity to Genesis and Gentle Giant. Part of this may have to do with their use of vintage instruments. Still, as steeped in older progressive sounds as they are, they still have a freshness about them that immediately drew me in.

The Book of Dreams is their debut recording and is currently out of print and nearly impossible to find. It is dedicated to the memory of writer Jules Verne, and each track is based on one of his classic books (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Around the World in 80 Days, & A Journey to the Center of the Earth).

Credits (Group Members):

• Gigi Cavalli Cocchi / drums, percussions (Remo, Paiste, Vic Firth)
• Enzo Cattini/ Hammond C-3 w/Leslie, Minimoog-D, Mellotron M-400, Akai S-2000, E-MU Vintage Keys, Gem S-3
• Mirco Consolini / guitars & bass

 Credits: (Guest Artists):

• Matteo Setti / vocals (2, 3)
• Stefano Menato / saxophone (5)
• Vic Fraja / vocals (4 - 5, 7)
• Elisa Giordanella / viola (2, 6)
• Kimberly Duke / narrator

 Track List:

1. Ouverture (1:40)
2. Is the End the Beginning? (9:30)
3. The Book of Dreams (7:07)
4. The Journey (12:14)
5. Days of Light (9:06)
6. Under the Sea (3:36)
7. Asha (Coming Back Home)(8:24)
8. A New Century (10:22)

 Download Links: Part 1, Part 2.