Nearly five decades after its original release, Pepe Maina’s enchanting debut album, Il Canto dell’Arpa e del Flauto, emerges from the archives as a limited-edition transparent red vinyl (180g), strictly limited to 300 hand-numbered copies, each signed by the artist himself. Originally released in 1977 on the Ascolto label—the only non-self-produced work in Maina’s discography—this album remains a singular blend of ambient, world music, folk, and psychedelia, weaving a dreamlike tapestry of sound that defies categorization.

Described by Maina as “ambient & prog rock for dreams and illusions,” the album unfolds as a meditative journey, inviting listeners into its meticulously crafted sonic landscapes. Side A opens with “Il Canto dell’Arpa,” where shimmering percussion and synthesizers build an atmosphere of quiet tension, while “Il Canto dell’Arpa e del Flauto (Prima Parte)” transports listeners to ethereal, oceanic realms with its delicate harp and cosmic electronics. The hypnotic “Spring Song” layers whispered flute and arabesque guitar melodies, while “Two Balls”—the album’s sole live recording, captured at Milan’s Centro Sociale Leoncavallo—spirals into a mesmerizing fusion of sitar, arpeggiated guitar, and analog synths. Side B drifts from the African-inspired rhythms of “Africa” to the Far Eastern textures of “Il Canto dell’Arpa e del Flauto (Seconda Parte)”, before closing with “San Nicola,” a serene ode to Mediterranean warmth. A true “inner voyage,” Il Canto dell’Arpa e del Flauto demands—and rewards—deep listening. Its intricate details reveal themselves best in silence, making it ideal for contemplation, reading, or moments of introspection. Though often overlooked in its time, the album has since gained cult status among collectors of Italian progressive and experimental music, standing as a testament to Maina’s singular vision.

This reissue—the first since 1977—presents the album as it was meant to be heard: on premium 180g transparent red vinyl, with original artwork restored. With only 300 copies available worldwide, each signed and numbered, this is a rare chance to own a forgotten gem of Italy’s avant-garde tradition. For fans of: Popol Vuh, Eberhard Weber, Terry Riley, and the quiet magic of 1970s instrumental exploration.

“A miniature cosmos of sound—Maina’s debut is a portal to stillness and wonder.” – The Wire