Record Reviews

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:

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