1983 - THE LIVE COMBO

... the "RUINS-as-a-band" project has not been mentioned very often, and sometimes I feel of a strong regret for this involuntary lapse of such musical dimension.

Our band had different line-ups (trio, quartet or quintet with variable set-up) and each one had moments of unique and indubitable sonic glory.

The "driving force" of this almost funky renditions of the band was evidently the pulsating bass of Pippo Monaro (just a few weeks before he had joined the new combo) and this distinctive way of playing his Steinberger bass (actually not showcased in the pictures here under) had contributed adding a remarkable dynamic to the sound of RUINS ... just what we were looking for at the time.

from L to R: Pippo Monaro, Franco Moruzzi, Piergiuseppe Ciranna, Alessandro Pizzin

Yours truly

My keyboards set up at the time was quite odd but extremely versatile: on my right side i had my bizarre Farfisa VIP600 electronic organ, the inevitable Korg MS20 on its top and an old tape cassette player nearby (for the "special sound effects" way long before the sample machines and keyboards were available). In front of me the essential Fender Rhodes 88 with the two Pearl pedals (echo and chorus) while on its black vinyl top the more than fundamental sound machine of RUINS, the mighty Casiotone 501. On my left there's a microphone for my alto sax (but that's another story ...)

from L to R: Pippo Monaro, Franco Moruzzi, Piergiuseppe Ciranna, Alessandro Pizzin

from L to R: Yours truly, Pippo Monaro, Franco Moruzzi & Piergiuseppe Ciranna

This recording was captured live during of one of the few live concerts of autumn 1983 and it is interesting to remember that during the same concert other new songs were actually performed but unfortunately destined to remain unfinished and definitively archived forever.

Anyway, I am still looking for any acceptable recording hidden in the chaotic "box o' tapes" in the archive that will allows to occasional fans and curious to listen to some Ruins' sonic alien extravaganza.

Time will tell ...