MY PROG
The great and good of progressive music give us a glimpse into their prog worlds. As told to Grant Moon
Diego Cafolla, guitarist with Italian prog metallers Kingcrow, reveals a passion for King Crimson, Bob Marley, wine and Rush as he opens us up to his own prog world.
Where’s home?
Lake Bracciano. It’s north of Rome, and, more importantly, just 20 minutes away from my recording studio.
Your first prog memory?
I remember my dad playing Dark Side Of The Moon in the house when I was six. I was fascinated by the music, and the language sounded so exotic to me.
The first prog record you bought?
The Construkction Of Light by King Crimson [2000]. I’d been relying on my dad’s vinyl collection up until then.
First prog gig?
King Crimson, that same year, in Rome with my dad.
Any guilty pleasures in your music collection?
Bob Marley’s Exodus. I don’t feel guilty about it, really, but that’s probably as far as I get from prog.
What would be your Mastermind specialist subject?
Wine. I’m passionate about wine.
Your biggest prog extravagance?
I flew from Rome to Frankfurt to see Rush on their R30 tour, that’s probably the most
I’ve spent.
Your favourite venue?
The Boerderij in Zoetermeer. The crew are very professional and friendly and the crowds are always good. We’re always happy to play there.
Outside of prog, what else are you into?
Hiking in the mountains. I usually spend my vacations in the Italian Alps. Ideally I’d hike all day, get back and drink a good wine.
Who is your prog hero?
Roger Waters. He’s probably the greatest songwriter in prog.
Are you a collector?
I try to collect wine, and fail. I have a large collection of empty bottles!
The last album you bought?
Moongarden’s Align Myself To The Universe. They’re a really good Italian band, and [band leader] Cristiano Roversi is a good friend of mine.
What was the last gig you went to?
Last summer I saw Roger Waters’ Us And Them show at Circus Maximus in Rome. It was an incredible, spectacular show amid the Roman ruins.
Ever had a prog date?
[Laughs] No. I mean… it’s prog!
Who do you call in the prog community for a good night out?
Fred Colombo from [French progressive metallers] Spheric Universe Experience. They’re a great band and he’s a good friend of mine.
What’s the most important prog song for you?
The Great Gig In The Sky by Pink Floyd, or La Villa Strangiato by Rush. These are the two sides to the prog coin – one melodic, the other totally fucked up.
Which muso would you most like to work with?
Thom Yorke or Trent Reznor. Those guys see the big picture.
Which prog album always gets you in a good mood?
Power Windows by Rush. It’s very uplifting prog-synth pop.
Who’s the best prog artist you’ve ever seen?
That Rush show in Frankfurt [R30] was just jaw-dropping. They played perfectly, and it was the most beautiful show.
Recommend us a good proggy read.
Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks. A neurologist writing about how our brain reacts to music. It’s a really interesting read.
What’s your favourite album cover?
I’m going to be predictable here – The Dark Side Of The Moon.
Iconic, simple, immediately recognisable. A great cover.
What are you up to at the moment?
Kingcrow will be doing a headline tour of Europe in the spring to support [their current album from 2018] The Persistence, and
I’m also writing the follow-up this year too.
The Persistence is out now via Sensory. See www.kingcrow.it for more information.
Ideally I’d hike all day, get back and drink a good wine.