26

Paolo Valli, Italian drummer and 1996 graduate of the Musician's Institute in Hollywood, California, has released his first solo CD, entitled 26. The music is fusion and hard rock with aggressive guitar soloing provided by the seven guest guitarists, including Roberto Priori, Roberto Angelucci, Max Magagni, Massimiliano Ruggeri, Giacomo Castellano, Paolo Gianolio and Alberto Bergonzoni. Bassist Matt Bissonette also guests on two tracks ("Kindablues" and "Hello Jaco"), and a number of other stellar bassists and keyboard players also contribute to the fusiony brew. This is an excellent, varied, all-instrumental release from one of Italy's top session drummers.