BALLETTO DI BRONZO

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The BALLETTO di BRONZO is considered by many as the most original band in whole Italian Progressive Rock scene of the early 70es as many other bands of that period owe something directly or indirectly to this group as a reference point for music and image. Singer and keyboardist Gianni Leone composed the music for the legendary album “YS”, still considered worldwide as an absolute masterpiece. Unfortunately at that time it was not possible for his name to appear on the cover as the original composer. Il Balletto di Bronzo made many concerts between 1970 and 1973, taking part to the most important festivals where also bands like Colosseum and Genesis performed, then suddenly split.
From 1975 to 1995 Gianni Leone adopted the pseudonym LeoNero. Discovered that his full potential as a musician and composer could enable him to become a solo artist rather than being just a singer and keyboard player in a band. He recorded in New York the solo album “Vero”, in which he played all the instruments and sung, then moved to Los Angeles where he recorded the album “Monitor”, released several singles in Italy. Had frequent contacts with avant-garde musicians both in London and New York. In New York he lived at the Chelsea Hotel and found there inspiration for his music. Also had the chance to play with interesting and heterogeneous musicians, finding himself making music in a room at the Chelsea with Don Cherry and maybe the following night playing wild Rock and Roll in a club with his friends the New York Dolls and Neon Leon. Took part in the birth of the New Wave in Los Angeles, collaborating with the most brilliant artists of the moment. Composed part of the music for the first Videodisk made in the U.S.A. by Tomata du Plenty, leader of the Screamers.
In 1992 the CD with two demos from YS sung in English was published and distributed all over the world. The tapes dating back to 1971 had, up to then, never been used.
In 1995 Gianni Leone collaborated with the Italian Progressive Rock group DIVAE, taking part in both their CD and various concerts, some of them with the guitarist Gary Green of GENTLE GIANT. Together with the bass player and drummer of the band he reformed BALLETTO DI BRONZO in a trio version.
In 1999 IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO published the CD “TRYS”, recorded live in Rome.
In 2000 IL BALLETTO DI BRONZO took part in the NEARfest 2000 in Pennsylvania - U.S.A., the MEXPROG festival in Mexico City and the RIO ART ROCK festival in Rio de Janeiro. Also played other concerts in Mexico and Brazil.
In 2002 the band performed at Baja PROG festival (Mexicali, Mexico), PROG’SUD festival (Marseille, France), made its first tour in Japan. Gianni Leone returned in Japan as a solo artist (LeoNero), made concerts and collaborated with japanese bands ARS NOVA and GERARD. IL Balletto di Bronzo performed as opening act for Ozric Tentacles, Carl Palmer Band.
2003: successful tours in Mexico and Chile. Gianni Leone’s solo concerts in Italy.
2004: opening act for Ozric Tentacles.
2005: opening act for Porcupine Tree.
2006: Adolfo Ramundo is the new drummer. Tour in Mexico and concerts in Italy.
2007: another tour in Mexico, including the partecipation at the BAJA PROG FESTIVAL in Mexicali. Concerts in Italy.
2008: The first live Dvd of the band has been published. Tour in Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Japan.
BALLETTO DI BRONZO are:
Gianni Leone
Adolfo Ramundo
Ivano Salvatori
Discography:
- LP YS (Polydor 2448 003L)
- Single LA TUA CASA COMODA/DONNA VITTORIA (Polydor 2060 053)
- YS re-issue on CD in 1989 (Polydor ERC 32001 Japan)
- YS re-issue on CD in 1992 (Polydor/Mellow Records 519 338-2)
- YS demos sung in English dating back to 1971 (Mellow Records MMP 112)
- TRYS (Mellow Records MMP 367)
- LIVE IN ROME on DVD in 2007 (Black Widow)