AFRICA

ALBUM BY ZALLA ( PIERO UMILIANI ) – DIALOGO

In 1972, Piero Umiliani was primarily known as the man behind a thousand soundtracks and one of the pioneers of Italian jazz experimentation.

But even then, it was clear that this role only scratched the surface of a far more complex artistic identity.

Confined within the walls of his Sound Work Shop Studio, the Maestro was weaving deeper, more rewarding sonic tapestries—drawing on decades of influences and a lifelong passion for exploration and experimentation.

Among the sounds that captivated him most were those from Africa: a continent that had long been romanticized but remained largely unfamiliar to European ears.

Umiliani was so entranced by its musical richness that he dedicated an entire album to it—Africa, a companion piece to its twin release Continente Nero, both issued under the alias M. Zalla.

This pseudonym became his chosen signature for bold, avant-garde excursions—an artistic space he would revisit in later cult classics like Suspense, Problemi d’Oggi, and Mondo Inquieto.

Keep in mind the release date—January 1972—when approaching the soundscapes contained in this record. You’ll encounter the progressive-tinged black rhythm of Africa To-Day, the “fourth world” ambiance reminiscent of Jon Hassell in Green Dawn, the exotic textures in the spirit of Martin Denny (Lonely Village, Echos), and even startling hints of electronic new wave in Sortilège. Folk influences emerge in tracks like Rite and Folk-Tune, showcasing yet another facet of Umiliani’s expansive palette.

With remarkable foresight, Umiliani anticipated and synthesized sonic elements that would only later become celebrated by far more renowned artists. In Africa, he didn’t just experiment—he laid the groundwork for future musical revolutions.

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