Marc Antoine - Universal Language (2000)

The acoustic guitar has always been a traveling instrument, originating in Spain, then gradually adopting (and eventually linking to) the idioms of Africa, India, Europe, and America. On Universal Language, guitarist Marc Antoine picks up on that theme, drawing on his varied musical influences to create a smooth-jazz cocktail with African, Latin American, and European flavors. "N.Y. Strolling" captures the dreamily reflective side of the metropolis, while the playful flute figures of "Celta" hint at the Andes as well as a Celtic infusion from Antoine's Brittany boyhood. African singer-guitarist Lokua Kanza gives distinctive character to "Elikya (Hope)," and Jeff Golub adds hints of sitar and mandolin as well as electric guitar. Producer-arranger-pianist Philippe Saisse, fresh from his tremendous success with Halfway 'til Dawn, makes a huge contribution with his spacious, sonically brilliant settings (even children at play are included), helping merge all of Antoine's different musical sources. Throughout it all, the liquid sounds of Antoine's steel and nylon string guitars remain vivid, mingling cultural influences with the ease of a breeze off the Mediterranean. -- Adam Rains