Z-Star
Who Loves Lives

"Who Loves Lives" is the debut album by Z-star (pronounced Zi-star), but more than a debut, I would call it a confirmation. The girl has, in fact, been active on the soul-jazz scene for some time and is said to boast (besides the collaboration with Morten Varano on the Slow Train project) excellent collaborations and duets (Terry Callier or Sinead O'Connor, just to name a few) and an impressive resume.

I am fascinated by her voice, which I had already had the pleasure of appreciating on the Slow Train CD, "Illegal Cargo," but listening to her on this album gives me goosebumps. Her use of it is extraordinary and without particular virtuosity, she modulates it in a different way on each track: it's gritty, it's seductive, it's warm... it's magic.

The formula is simple: ½ talent and ½ personality, all blended into a great mix of blues, jazz, soul, a hint of rock and a bit of funk. The arrangements are well-crafted across all 12 tracks, some of them truly beautiful, starting with the opening track "Novalude" or "Emilies play" where there is only her splendid voice and her guitar, or also "Rosemarys Last Kiss," "Driver".
The lyrics of "Who Loves Lives" (who loves lives) focus on themes of love and freedom, but even if the title might suggest the saccharine phrases of Baci Perugina, the atmosphere of this record is of an entirely different nature!

The album is excellent, and listening to it is a pleasant experience, which I recommend: she is truly G-R-E-A-T!!