Initially named UNO, the band was created in London in the mid-70's by ex-members of CERVELLO and OSANNA, namely guitarist Corrado Rustici, guitarist Danilo Rustici and sax & flute player Elio D'Anna. The roster of permanent and guest musicians spread over their four albums is impressive: Morris Pert, Phil Collins, Ric Parnell (IBIS, ATOMIC ROOSTER), Narrada Michael Walden (SANTANA) and Franco Lo Previte (CIRCUS 2000, DUELLO MADRE) f{ and that only covers the drums & percussion department. Other contributors include keyboard player Renato Rosset (NEW TROLLS ATOMIC SYSTEM), classical conga virtuoso Zakir Hussain and three bassists: Percy Jones, Barry Johnson (Lenny White's band TWENNYNINE) and Luciano Milanese. As you will have guessed by now, their sound a lot like BRAND X (note that NOVA are not totally instrumental but their vocals are kept to a minimum).
They released four albums between 1976 and 1978. ¡§Blink¡¨, being the first, is not as polished as the others but still offers lengthy jams with sumptuous guitar/sax dialogues. The more mature "Vimana", a Robert Lumley production, focuses on compositions rather than technical wizardry and is considered their best; among other goodies, it showcases bassist Percy Jones¡¦ pleasantly fluid fretless style as well as guitarist Danilo Rustici who truly shines throughout (echoes of John McLaughlin, Al DiMeola, John Goodsall and Larry Coryell come to the mind). With "Wings of Love", the band seemed to take a new direction, what with the shorter track format and in particular bassist Barry Johnson¡¦s funky style, so different from Percy Jones¡¦. Their final release, "Sun City", features still shorter tracks and an even funkier edge, the overall feel approaching mainstream jazz rock. No matter which one you pick, however, all albums are packed with tension, rhythmic energy and technical brilliance. A treat for all fusion enthusiasts.
Highly recommended to fans of BRAND X, RETURN TO FOREVER, WEATHER REPORT and BILL BRUFORD.