Ellesmere is the brainchild of Roberto Vitelli, bass & guitar player from Italian prog band Taproban. As opposite to the bombastic sound of the band, with Ellesmere Vitelli focuses on an acoustic and yet symphonic approach, delivering a stunning 40 minutes suite much in the style of early Genesis and Anthony Phillips works (ref. The Geese and the Ghost).
As the title suggests, every section of the suite is dedicated to one of the ancient French castles that reside along the Loire river. Several acoustic, classical and 12 strings arpeggiato guitar layers are topped with beautiful strings and flute melodies (John Hackett is guesting on most of the tracks) and an original vintage Mellotron provides further orchestration. Special guests also include Daniele Pomo from RanestRane on drums and percussion, and vocals master Luciano Regoli (Raccomandata con ricevuta di ritorno, Samadhi) added multitrack vocal armonies on four songs. The icing on the cake is a very special and rare feature by Anthony Phillips himself as The Narrator.
The stunning cover artwork was especially created for the album by Luciano Regoli and particularly shines on the gatefold vinyl version.