Eda Zari's concern is to draw attention to Albania, which has so far received less attention as a music country. Hence the title 'Statement'.

What do you think of when you hear the name Albania? Perhaps, you think of desperate refugees near the coast of Italy, or you see it as 'country of bunkers'. Why? For there were built 700,000 air-raid shelters for a population of only 3 millions. For Eda Zari, they are symbols of the paranoia, of the isolation reflected in the soul of the Albanians. Beauty and richness of the Albanian music shall no longer fall into oblivion, but are united in the album Statement to be a unique proof of a living musical culture that points far beyond its limits. The album contains typical Albanian elements such as 'Iso', a special polyphonic practice (one out of three parts begins, the second counterpart enters, followed by drones as continuous accompaniment to the melody), or 'Kaba', the mostly slow and peaceful, yet, in its basic mood, merry clarinet introduction in ballads.

But which category does her music belong to? Shall it be called world pop? Sure, her songs are captivating, even catchy, but in reality there is something much more refined to them. Even the English-language titles contain subtly woven, elements from Albanian music tradition which make this album special. An important part in this has been contributed by 'Family Lela Dé Permet', one of the most famous Albanian dynasties of musicians, from which is descended the clarinettist Vladimir Gica. But Mark Joggerst, the co-composer & pianist, also plays a major role in these extraordinary recordings. It is a special concern of Eda Zari to draw the overall attention to Albania which has not been taken much notice of as country of music up to now. Hence the clear title 'Statement'. Her songs, many of which are inspired by memories of places & persons in her native country, have a natural intensity, a passion that raises them far beyond common world pop. For too long, Albanian music has gone unnoticed. Now, with Statement, there is the chance to make up for what has been neglected. You'll be taken by surprise!

Track Listing

• My Bijous
• Amazing Age
• Zanat
• Beng-Beng
• Tribute To 'Cobani'
• Malbi
• Morra Rrugen...!
• Prelude To Albanian Nature
• Ra Faja
• Pikaloshe
• Age Of Statement
• 'Kaba'-Never In Cage

Additional Details

Label: INTUITION

Genre: World

Run Time: 60:28 mins

Region: 0

Release Date: 08/22/25

UPC: 750447334724