Jazzis Web Shop News 11/2007

ALBUM

Today’s addition is the last of the first period classic albums by French group Zao:

3^rd album by the superb French ensemble Zao. Following the recording of the first two albums, the two leaders, Yochk`o Seffer and François Cahen, 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 Margand, 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 Prevost fitted the bill perfectly with his pulsating approach, playing electric bass. Pierre Guignon 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 Lockwood 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.

JAZZIS WEB SHOP

Massive restocking – check your Waiting List.

HAVE FUN!