Hector Zazou
Sahara Blue

Yes, I know, there is already a review of the same disc and written by a friend no less! But it was to close the circle of reminiscences opened this week.

So: it's quite difficult to express one's opinion objectively when it comes to works of the caliber of "Sahara Blue", which need to be commented on as critically as possible, meaning works of such refinement and rare beauty and so laden with emotion. And logically, so loaded with poetry, given the source of inspiration drawn upon by the composer, Hector Zazou, with his magnificent array of talents (which I will briefly list: Gerard Depardieu, John Cale, David Sylvian, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Lisa Gerrard, Richard Bohringer, and Dominique Dalcan just to mention the most famous, and many others follow).

The unusual formula conceived for this sweeping array of sensations is as follows:

On the delicate musical bases created for the occasion and supported by the "Sahara Blue Orchestra", monologues and citations of Rimbaudian origin intertwine, intensely interpreted by those incredible talents mentioned above, whose unmistakable styles can be recognized in each isolated episode.

The atmospheres thus created are halfway between the oneiric and the melancholic, although there are no shortages of episodes of much broader scope and full of energy, such as in the case of the opening "I'll Strangle You" where Depardieu's warm voice is sustained by a very accentuated and repetitive rhythm in which the bass dominates.

Standing out among all are the splendid "Ophèlie" -very delicate- and the powerful "Lettre au Directeur des Messageries Maritimes" with its complex structure in an emotional crescendo marked by the slightly coarse voice of the interpreter (Bohringer).

The result is a collection of small sonic jewels rich in harmony to which one cannot deny refinement, elegance, and good taste.

Therefore, being an opus in the broadest sense of the term, a meeting of high music with high poetry, returning to the initial issue of how difficult it is to be impartial in cases like this, I leave the matter to you, assuring you that it is truly worth it.

Ps: I believe there is a video of the entire CD performance directed by Zazou himself, of which I attach the cover, but I admit I need to research this further.