Two seminal Afro-influenced LPs by Italian library legend Piero Umiliani reissued on vinyl

The Africa album alone would previously set you back nearly £500.

Africa and Continente Nero are being reissued for the first time in a 2xLP limited bundle, this November via Dagored.

Read more: How to find library music gems

Both LPs feature experimental, Fourth World-esque sounds from the continent, composed by Umiliani and performed by some of Italy’s finest Italian and jazz session musicians at the time.

Africa, recorded under Umiliani’s M.Zalla pseudonym in 1972, includes extended liner notes curated by Stefano Gilardino. The 14 tracks move through minimal ambient to drum-laced rhythms before culminating in electronic-hued instrumentals.

Continente Nero, recorded in 1975, includes extended liner notes by Luca Collepiccolo. A follow-up of sorts to Africa, the 16-track LP explores percussion in its many forms via instruments including bongos, cowbells and flutes.

 

The 2xLP package follows the double album collection Grazie! of Umiliani’s iconic library work, released earlier this month.

Pre-order a copy here, listen to Cotinente Nero and check out the track lists below.

Africa

Tracklist

Side A

1. Africa To-Day
2. Savana
3. Green Dawn
4. Rhythmical Stress
5. Drums Choral
6. Lonely Village
7. Mysterious

Side B

1. Echos
2. Sortilège
3. African Suspence
4. Sadness
5. Rite
6. Folk-Tune
7. Drums Suspence

Continente Nero

Tracklist

Side A

1. Rivoluzionari
2. Nel Villaggio
3. Nuove Realta’
4. Antiche Tradizioni
5. Nuovi Fermenti
6. Sole Percussioni
7. Piffero Africano
8. Continente Nero

Side B

1. Riscossa
2. Ultimo Stregone
3. Continente Nero
4. Preparativi
5. Oasi
6. Tribalismo
7. Giorno Di Mercato
8. Flauto Africano