ZAO

The Profile

French jazz‑rock group led by wind player Yochk'o 'Jeff' Seffer and pianist François 'Faton' Cahen, known for a fusion of jazz, rock, free improvisation and occasional Zeuhl elements.

Founding/leading musicians mentioned in the review: Yochk'o 'Jeff' Seffer (winds) and François 'Faton' Cahen (piano/keys). Other contributors noted on Kawana: Gérard Prevost (bass), Didier Lockwood (violin), Jean-My Truong (drums) and additional collaborators on some tracks. The review links Seffer and Cahen to the original Magma core and to the Univeria Zekt project; Kawana (1976) is described as the band's fourth studio album and a stylistic move toward balanced fusion with traces of Zeuhl and Free Jazz.

A positive, detailed appreciation of Zao's 1976 album Kawana. Highlights the group's move toward balanced fusion with Free Jazz and Zeuhl traces. Emphasises Cahen and Seffer's leadership and the album's historical value.