Es: The Italian Band Behind the Iconic "Azzurro Superiore"
In the annals of Italian music, the band Es stands tall as a beacon of artistic innovation and commercial success. Born from the ashes of the legendary progressive rock group New Trolls, Es emerged in the early 1980s with a sound that defied categorization, blending elements of pop, rock, and electronica into a captivating sonic tapestry.
Formation and Early Years
Founded in 1980 by keyboardist Vittorio De Scalzi, guitarist Aldo Tagliapietra, bassist Ricky Belloni, and drummer Giorgio Usai, Es quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. Their debut album, "Azzurro Superiore," released in 1981, became an instant hit, propelled by the title track's infectious melody and ethereal vocals.
Commercial Success and Controversies
The success of "Azzurro Superiore" catapulted Es to stardom. They released a string of hit albums throughout the 1980s, including "La Notte" (1982), "Equator" (1983), and "Macchina del Tempo" (1986). Their music garnered critical acclaim for its sophistication and originality, while also achieving widespread commercial appeal.
However, the band's success was not without its controversies. In 1986, they were embroiled in a legal battle with their former label over the rights to their music. The dispute, which lasted several years, cast a shadow over the band's career and led to a hiatus in their recording activities.
Challenges and Transitions
The legal battle and subsequent hiatus took a toll on Es, and their lineup underwent several changes in the following years. Founding members De Scalzi and Tagliapietra eventually left the band, leaving Belloni and Usai to carry on the musical legacy. They continued to release albums and perform live, but the commercial success of their early years proved elusive.
Discography
Throughout their career, Es released a significant body of work, including:
* Azzurro Superiore (1981) * La Notte (1982) * Equator (1983) * Macchina del Tempo (1986) * Veritas (1991) * Domani (1993) * Il Giardino dei Salici (1995)