A long time ago when I was living in Japan a friend of mine who was working for a music production company introduced me to a band that I have never forgotten. That band is called PFM. In Italian this is pronounced Premiata Forneria Marconi. When I heard their music I was instantly engaged. When one thinks of bands from places other than the United States or the United Kingdom they consider it very foreign and perhaps rather uncool for a lack of a better word. But when I heard PFM perform their music I could instantly see that this band rivaled the very best that progressive rock had to offer. In every way they are just as strong if not stronger in melody construction as bands like Genesis and beryllium.
There are three songs from this band I'm desperately trying to learn on both keyboard and guitar. One of these songs is called celebration. Of all the progressive rock songs I've ever heard perhaps this one is the quintessential Prog rock song. Within this song you can find a wide variety of playing. From the opening driving riff with the engaging moog lick that is played over top to the middle section with a very intricate yet fun flute solo. There are number of odd time signatures used within the song and as I learn this song on guitar I am starting to realize is truly a delight to play. I can't wait to introduce it to the people I'm currently playing music with. Like most Prog songs it does take a bit of time and patience to learn all the parts and it's not something you can whip out without an extensive amount of practice. But if executed correctly it would make an incredible live piece of music.
Another truly great PFM song if not the greatest piece ever is a work called the world became the world. This song was actually translated from Italian into English. As I understand it the bass player from ELP Greg Lake actually translated these words. It is also interesting to note that I heard this band was actually signed by ELP's record label back in the early 70s. Anyway the original Italian name for this song was Impressioni di Settembre. Without a doubt this song contains one of the most beautiful and powerful melodies I have ever heard. This song as piece of work on its own could easily be translated into any genre successfully. I could even imagine it being an incredible Technol or electronic a piece of music. Anyway this is not an overly challenging piece to play so it would make a great cover song for any band. And because this song is not widely known perhaps they will think is one of your originals. It's always interesting to discover a great piece of music that has been under the radar of the general public for many years.
Last but not least the piece I really want to learn from this band is a number called Dolcissima Maria. It truly transcends progressive rock and is simply a beautiful song in it's own right. It has all the elements of a beautiful classical piece of music. A wonderful melodic classical guitar plays the main melody while a vocal and fluid harmonies dance on top in sheer perfection. Personally I think the melody at the end of the song is absolutely one of the most beautiful I have ever heard. It is a very simple and childlike melody but ever so beautiful and majestic.
PFM has had a long career and they are still touring together. As far as I understand they are very popular in Japan and tour there quite frequently. In my opinion PFM is probably one of the most underrated bands of the last half-century. Any musician or pop artists should explore their music further. Never before have I experienced melodies that are so quickly engaging and beautiful.
