Record Reviews

ZAO ~ AKHENATON MUSEA 4125 (Barcode: 3426300041258) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1994 Released: 1994 The reissue of the 1970s ZaoFind albums by this artist recordings on CD by the French MuseaFind albums on this label label in the early 1990s created a renewed interest in the band’s legendary music and prompted the two founders François CahenFind albums by this artist (piano) and Yochk`o SefferFind albums by this artist (saxophone) to reunite the band in 1993. They managed to enlist one more original band member Jean-My TruongFind albums by this artist (drums) and to complete the quintet they were joined by violinist Patrick TillemanFind albums by this artist (who took the role of the original violinist Didier LockwoodFind albums by this artist) and bassist Dominique BertramFind albums by this artist (who filled the place of Gerard PrevostFind albums by this artist). The reunited group recorded this album, which includes all new music composed as usual by Cahen and Seffer. Slightly jazzier than the 1970s material, the new album shows clearly that the musicians lost none of their chops over the years and can still outplay almost anybody. The new material is brilliant, as always, firmly reestablishing the two composers as leading figures in European Fusion. There are no week points here, as unfortunately many reunion albums suffer from, and the original band’s fans can treat this album easily as one more excellent addition to the band’s splendid legacy.

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ZAO ~ KAWANA MUSEA 4039 (Barcode: 3426300040398) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1976 Released: 2001 4th album by the superb French ensemble ZaoFind albums by this artist. By the time this album was recorded the two leaders, Yochk`o SefferFind albums by this artist and François CahenFind albums by this artist, decided to change the musical direction of the group and move further into Jazz-Rock. They invited the French violin prodigy Didier LockwoodFind albums by this artist (the third world-famous French Jazz violinist after Stephane GrappelliFind albums by this artist and Jean-Luc PontyFind albums by this artist), who was a member of MagmaFind albums by this artist at the time, to join Zao. The resulting quintet (with Gerard PrevostFind albums by this artist on bass and Jean-My TruongFind albums by this artist on drums) was one of the strongest Jazz-Rock groups at the time. Lockwood’s exceptional improvisational abilities are the highlight of the album, but as usual the superb compositions by the two leaders and the overall level of musicianship make this album another masterpiece and a prime example of European Jazz-Rock. Unfortunately this was to be the last album recorded by the original Zao lineup as Yochk`o Seffer left the group shortly after the recording, leaving François Cahen to lead the new version of the group. Of course they would join forces later on during the group’s reunions. The bonus track is one of the three tracks recorded in December 1973 by Yochk`o Seffer and François Cahen with visiting Canadian musicians.

CD 1 Remastered Bonus Tracks Recommend To A Friend

ZAO ~ SHEKINA MUSEA 4067 (Barcode: 3426300040671) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1975 Released: 1992 3rd album by the superb French ensemble ZaoFind albums by this artist. Following the recording of the first two albums, the two leaders, Yochk`o SefferFind albums by this artist and François CahenFind albums by this artist, decided to expand the musical scope of the group by adding a string quartet and writing some music which would combine the jazzy elements they explored earlier with some classically influenced orchestration. To emphasize the diversity of the two approaches, the decision was to find an all-female string quartet, which would complete the all-male group and balance the overall result. The Quatuor MargandFind albums by this artist, a seasoned string quartet, which had previous experience of working with jazz musicians, was chosen to work with Zao and they performed together and recorded this great album. The group also changed the bass player and Gerard PrevostFind albums by this artist fitted the bill perfectly with his pulsating approach, playing electric bass. Pierre GuignonFind albums by this artist was added on percussion to complete the nonet. The resulting ensemble was absolutely amazing, playing music aeons ahead of their time, which probably was the reason that even in France, which was always open to Avant-Garde, they had a tough time to find gigs. This led eventually to the inevitable breakdown of this unique lineup. The use of strings would however continue, with the young violin prodigy Didier LockwoodFind albums by this artist joining the group for their next lineup. The album remains an extraordinary example of European Avant-Garde Fusion and remains as fascinating as it was at the time of its recording.

Updated: 12/04/2019Posted:

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend