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LA RECENSIONE
Hector Zazou is an ambitious musician, producer, and composer.
For at least two decades, he has been conducting experiments in the fusion of jazz, blues, world-music, and electronics.
This album is a tribute to the "cursed poet" Rimbaud, with the lyrics being none other than his poems.
For the occasion, Zazou calls among others Sylvian, Gerrard, Perry, Sakamoto, and Cale. The result is absolutely fascinating.
Aside from the first track, a piece perhaps a bit too dance-oriented, in which Zazou uses the voice of the always self-ironic Depardieu, the rest of the album is extremely alluring. It feels like being catapulted into a smoky and dark venue where musicians play wearily melancholy tunes in front of a bored audience.
Occasionally, a piano or trumpet solo emerges, blending with a melancholic female voice throwing us into a stupor, as in "Ophèlie," or the percussion and acoustic guitar make their way, awakening us and enriching the interpretation of Khaled's wonderful voice in "Amdyaz."
All of this is seasoned by the histrionic Zazou, who fiddles beneath with his electronic contraptions, warming the atmosphere rather than cooling it.
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Summary by Bot
Hector Zazou's Sahara Blue is an ambitious and captivating album blending jazz, blues, world music, and electronics. Dedicated to poet Rimbaud, it features lyrics from his poems and collaborations with notable artists. The album creates a smoky, dark atmosphere with melancholic tunes and rich instrumentation. Aside from a more dance-oriented track at the start, the music charms with subtle piano, trumpet, and vocal performances.Tracklist
Hector Zazou
Hector Zazou (1948–2008) was a French composer and producer known for concept-driven, collaborative albums blending world traditions with ambient and electronic textures.06 Reviews
Other reviews
By fosca
Works of such refinement and rare beauty and so laden with emotion.
A collection of small sonic jewels rich in harmony to which one cannot deny refinement, elegance, and good taste.
By luludia
When you take the trouble to put the verses of a great poet to music, you’re taking a big risk.
These are magnificent tracks, marked by Barbara Cogan’s sweet and suspended voice, which successfully meets the unconscious power of the images.
