ZZEBRA / PANIC

ZZEBRA was one of many jazz-fusion bands of the mid-70s. Formed by ex-If members guitarist Terry Smith and saxophonist Dave Quincy along with ex-Osibisa percussionist, saxophonist and flautist Loughty Amao, the trio hooked up with ex-Love Affair keyboardist Gus Yeadon, bassist John McCoy and drummer Liam Genockey (as well as others) and released two classic fusion albums in the mid-70s as well as playing a robust circuit scene which got the band known as one of the harder working fusion outfits of the day.

Due to lack of interest the band broke up after releasing two albums: ZZEBRA and PANIC but recorded enough extra material for future archival releases. While both albums finally found remastered releases in 1999 on the Disconforme label, in 2010 both albums emerged on the Angel Air label as a 2 Cd two-fer which contains both albums impeccably remastered as well as six bonus tracks which includes the non-album single "Zurdoz" as well as four alternative mixes and a live version of "Liamo."

For the albums themselves, see reviews separately but if you have any interest at all in the progressive / Afro / jazz / funk / rock that ZZEBRA so beautifully crafted then this double disc set is the way to go. The music sounds so good as if it was all recorded in modern times but evokes the zeitgeist of the mid-70s when these sorts of fusion bands were fairly common place at least in the more progressive arenas of the rock spectrum. I've always compared ZZEBRA to a Nigerian styled Santana with an extra emphasis on jazz.

While this is a great way to get both 70s releases in one package, i wouldn't call any of the bonus tracks essential in any way. The single mixes of "Mr J" and "Amuso Fi" aren't tremendously different than the originals and although "Karrola" sounds great no matter how it's presented, the extra version isn't anything outstandingly different either. The track "Zardoz" is certainly a worthy addition but not worth going out of your way to track down either. Another interesting note is that the alternative mix of "Put A Light On Me" features a cameo appearance by Jeff Beck. "Liamo" offers a peek into the band's live set.

Doubtful that ZZEBRA will ever go down in history as one of prog's most celebrated acts but the band were technically outstanding and crafted instantly catchy melodies that featured bizarre blends of everything from Nigerian folk, funk, jazz, rock, Latin rock and even touches of flamenco. Add to that some seriously excellent instrumental interplay and infectious rhythms with Santana-esque percussion sections. All in all, ZZEBRA cranked out some quality fusion material with their two albums and the bonus tracks are just a little additional insight into the band's short but interesting existence. These multi-disc sets are my favorite way of accumulating the rarities of the past and this set is well worth it with interesting liner notes.