ZAO IN TOKYO

The return of Zao is a winning one. Recorded over two nights in June 04 during a tour of Japan with ain Soph, the album's selection of tracks shows the group is amazingly well-kept form. Indeed, you'd swear this is a late 70's recording, because the group's music seems as actual now as it did back then. Well today's version of Zao reunites the two masters: Faton Cahen on keyboards and Yochko Seffer on winds. Should one of these be missing, it wouldn't be Zao, no matter that Seffer ended up leaving after the fourth album in the mid-70's. Also of interest historical-fan note is Gerard Prévost's presence on bass, Dugrenot's successor at that instrument and present for three or for albums. No Truong in sight though, a younger François Causse, while Lockwood's violin will find refuge inside guest Akihisa Tsuboy's bow for one track; and on voices is the impressive Cynthia SaintVille. The artwork is surprisingly un-Zao-like with Fuji-Yama Mountain rather than the Zao logo in some shape or another.

While the sets of two nights were recorded, it appears that they both contained the very standard material or "classics", four from Cahen's Zeuhl catalogue and four from Seffer's Zeuhl vault. When I say that the selection has the usual classics, I mean that outside its post-millennium date of recording, the set-list could easily be the one of the glory years and you'll find a lot of similarities between this one and the other two live albums that Zao had released.

Classic tracks as Chardaz, Natura, Isis are all given the usual treatment, although the level of improvisation varies greatly, but overall, you'll have no problems recognising the tracks. The set- closing Zohar is more reserved for the solos, including the obligatory drums solo, always overstaying its welcome. Overall, I found that Seffer's playing has aged better than Cahen's who seems a bit immobile and rigid. Prévost's bass was never that of Dugrenot but is close enough for comfort.

However as was always the problem during the 70's, an album worth of studio Zeuhl material that lasted some 40 minutes is already difficult to sit through, in a live show lasting the double Live album, this sensation of bombardment with the same type of music is doubled; which is reached easily with Musea's choice to fill a double disc's content on one album. So you'll saturate easily and my guess is that you'll listen to it in halves. In either case, you'll find that Zao's latest album is not indispensable if you already own another live album.

This is a live recording from Tokyo in 2004. Seffer and Cahen are both here thankfully along with new drummer Causse and former ZAO bassist Prevost. Probably the most significant addition is female vocalist Saint-Ville who's vocal melodies are very prominant throughout. In fact you can't help but think of Mauricia Platon's singing from their debut "Z=7L". There are 8 songs taken from their first 4 albums.Three from "Kawana". This is a difficult one for me to rate because with the prominant vocals it does significantly change the original vibe of these tracks, except for the two songs from "Z=7L" of course. By the way KBB violinist Tsuboy guests on this album as well and is very impressive.

"Free Folk" from "Kawana" is fairly laid back with those upfront vocals. I like the sax after a minute. Everything is kind of sparse except for the vocals. The bass 3 1/2 minutes in is great, and check out Cahen a minute later. The drummer takes a turn in the spotlight. The tempo picks up 8 minutes in and gets a little chaotic. "Atart" is from the debut. It's more uptempo with the sax and vocals coming and going at the same time. Violin 2 1/2 minutes in. Sax takes over 2 minutes later. It's great just listening to the interplay 6 minutes in. "Chardaz" is from "Osiris" and features some growly bass before a minute as vocals continue. The tempo picks up before 1 1/2 minutes and you can tell she's having a blast singing faster. Sax solo a minute later and violin after 4 minutes. She's back 6 1/2 minutes in. The piano, bass and drums are all outstanding 8 minutes in. Great section. "Natura" is from "Kawana" and is my favourite on here. I really like the dark intro that reminds me of ONE SHOT until the sax comes in and leads the way. Vocals after 1 1/2 minutes. More growly bass. The sax is back. Cahen shines 5 1/2 minutes in. Chunky bass returns as do the vocals.

"Sadie" is from "Kawana" and is by far the shortest song on here at just over 3 minutes. Piano and vocals are joined by drums and sax. "Ronach" from the debut is uptempo with vocals. Some filthy bass before a minute and sax and violin shake things up 2 1/2 minutes in. The vocals are so impressive here. "Isis" is from "Osiris" and it opens with soft piano as vocals and sax join in reservedly. Drums and bass follow as this slows down even more. Things get more lively after 5 minutes. I like her vocals after 6 1/2 minutes and the piano that follows. The tempo slows back down late to end it. "Zohar" is the only song from "Shekina" but it is the longest at over 14 minutes. Vocals and sax lead the way as drums pound away. Nice bass lines after 2 minutes. The piano is beautifully played. Violin before 4 minutes and check it out 5 1/2 minutes in where it sounds like a lead guitar ! The sax takes over and goes crazy after 8 minutes. Applause follows. The drummer's turn to solo and he's incredible. Vocals are back before 12 minutes.

There's just too much here to give it less than 4 stars. I do wish there were more instrumental sections though, even though she is a fabulous singer.