Dark Companion Records

From the fury of “Cometa rossa” to the peace of inner awareness. The unique career of Paolo Tofani spans through the entire noble dynasty of Italian rock. After living in London where he began experimenting with synthesizers and came in contact with Muff Winwood, Mike Oldfield, John Cage, Steve Lacy, Don Cherry, Derek Bailey and others, Paolo’s musical style and vision expanded toward new horizons. He returned to Italy and co-founded Area, where — together with Patrizio Fariselli — he wrote some of the most important pages in Italian rock.

At the peak of his success with Area, the need of a more meaningful and devotional life, led him to abandon rock and his Gibson Les Paul to embark on a long spiritual path that kept him away from the music business for over 35 years — without ever stopping playing or researching. Real Essence is entirely played with the acoustic Tricanta Veena, a triple-neck guitar-like instrument invented by Paolo, which, along with its electric version, is now his main instrument. The album was recorded in India, during the spiritually charged hours before dawn.

Credits
Paolo Tofani: acoustic Tricanta Veena