Recorded in 1972 and remaining unreleased for nearly twenty years, Buon Vecchio Charlie’s self-titled album belongs to that select category of works which, despite not seeing the light of day at the time of their creation, have over time earned a prominent place in the history of Italian progressive rock.

The group formed in early 1970s Rome—a particularly fertile musical environment—centered around guitarist and composer Luigi Calabrò and keyboardist Alessandro Centofanti. After a handful of significant live performances—including a concert at Rome’s Piper Club that caught RCA’s attention—the project entered the studio. A very young Richard Benson also participated in the sessions, performing some of the material and co-writing "Evviva la Contea di Lane." The album’s centerpiece, however, is the lengthy suite "Venite giù al fiume," composed by Luigi Calabrò, who also wrote the closing track, "L’uomo che raccoglie i cartoni."

Despite the interest it sparked at the time, the original master tape remained in Calabrò’s possession until the first CD release in the early 1990s, having previously circulated among collectors and progressive rock enthusiasts worldwide. Musically, it stands as one of the most fascinating examples of early 1970s Italian symphonic progressive rock: featuring complex compositions, strong classical influences, and a constant interplay between flute, guitar, organ, and keyboards. This is underpinned by songwriting that skillfully alternates between lyrical passages, melodic flourishes, and moments of intense instrumental power—a musical language that sits comfortably alongside the work of bands like PFM, Banco del Mutuo Soccorso, Le Orme, and Quella Vecchia Locanda, while maintaining a distinct, recognizable identity of its own.

Originally released by AMS Records in 2011, this album is now available again on CD (digipack) and vinyl, featuring the classic cover art used for the initial CD edition. For this reissue, Luigi Calabrò has also prepared new, extensive liner notes, recounting firsthand the band's origins, the Roman music scene of the era, the 1972 recording sessions, and the album's incredible rediscovery many years later.

CD digipack edition.