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.

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend

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 ~ Z=7L MUSEA 4081 (Barcode: 3426300040817) ~ FRANCE ~ Progressive Rock Recorded: 1973 Released: 1993 1st album by the phenomenat French group ZaoFind albums by this artist, formed by two ex-MagmaFind albums by this artist members Yochk`o SefferFind albums by this artist - saxophones and François CahenFind albums by this artist - keyboards. With four additional musicians: Mauricia PlatonFind albums by this artist - vocals, Joël DugrenotFind albums by this artist - bass, Jean-Yves RigaudFind albums by this artist - violin and Jean-My TruongFind albums by this artist - drums they created a band, which untill today is considered as one of the most interesting Prog bands ever. Their music includes elements of Prog, jazz, contemporary classical and world music and is a wonderful mixture of styles, always challenging and intellectually stimulating. A classic!

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend