Since launching his solo career in 2006, Italian composer/acoustic guitarist MARCO ALBANI has shared his expansive global consciousness via demanding works (CHRONOS and ENCUENTRO) that have fused acoustic jazz with Mediterranean, African, and South American textures and rhythms. The title of his latest collection KALLAAMA – from a Senegalese idiom meaning “language,” specifically the universal language of music – speaks to the ambitious thematic concept and dynamic, polyrhythmic culturally fluid scope of the project. It’s a wildly spirited, multi-lingual affair (English, French and idioms of Italian, Senegalese and Zambian) pairing Albani’s bright guitarisma with featured saxophonist Javier Girotto and renowned international vocalists Frances Alina Ascione, Kaw Sissoko, Andrea Sanchini, Umberto Vitiello, Clea Scala, Carla Cocco and Velka-Sai. Collectively, they fulfill Albani’s vision to celebrate freedom, love, hope, fearlessness, and the overcoming of challenges. < SmoothJazz.com - October 2021 >