Customer Reviews

7

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For those who have never experienced the aural pleasures of Zap Mama, this CD is a fine introduction. Unlike their earlier CD's (which are also very good), this set has much more instrumentation and is more accessible to a general audience. Combining elements of many different styles of music, this CD is also beyond simple categorization. "Belgo Zairoise," the first track on the CD, is a good example. This rousing recording, takes you on a musical journey of three continents. The song ends with a self-affirming re-working of a classic Bob Marley & the Wailers lyric, with the women singing "No Man, No Cry." Open-minded fans of hip-hop will like the funky, "Baba Hooker," which features group leader Marie Daulne's sensual vocals with Spearhead's Michael Franti. Other cuts that immediately come to mind are "African Sunset," "Warmth" and "Damn Your Eyes." Zap Mama also offers a distinctive rendition of Phoebe Snow's classic, "Poetry Man." [For those fortunate to see Zap Mama's Marie Daulne sing a duet of the song with Ms. Snow on public television's "Sessions at West 54th Street," witnessed something very special. Hopefully, that episode will soon be available on video and/or CD soon]. In short, all of the tracks on the CD are first-rate. For me, this is the most purchased CD in recent memory -- either as gifts or because people I've loaned the CD, refuse to give it up! If you like music with rich multi-layered vocals and highly imaginative arrangements, this is definitely worth a listen. If, after purchasing the CD, you like the a cappella material the best, check out one of their earlier CD's next. If the funky side is what appeals to you, check out A MA ZONE next.

Seven has a bit more of an R & B feel than A Ma Zone. It is a consistently incredible mix of Afropean rock and American Hip Hop, R & B, and Funk. I was very impressed by the compilations with Spearhead, although Michael Franti is depoliticized in his Zap Mama work (and vice versa). The understanding, blend, and use of such a variety of musical styles makes Zap Mama the most innovative artists today. And sheer talent!

I first enjoyed Zap Mama's "Adventures in Afropea", their a capella album, about 9 years ago. When I heard their album "7" a few years ago, however, my mind was blown many times over and continues to be every time I listen to it (which is often). This album retains the beauty and intricacy of their a capella vocal work, but melds their gorgeous vocals with elements from many styles of music. If I had to classify this album I'd have to call it "world music", but it defies classification - it is completely original, funky, energetic, beautiful, surprising, and passionate. I love it, and I think it's Zap Mama's best work to date.

Seven is a brilliant album by Zap Mama and represents a natural progression from their two prior releases. Many styles are integrated beautifully into irrisistable musical collages. African rhythms and music, European pop, hip-hop, and reggae are combined in creative, extraordinary ways. My favorite songs are Belgo Zairoise, Poetry Man, and Baba Hooker, but the album as a whole is remarkably consistent.

I've been a fan of Zap Mama since I first heard their first album. This album leans heavily towards an R&B style and is a much different sound than their past albums. I hope they're not going to stick with this style as I think they have a much tighter, cleaner sound with their first couple albums. I wouldn't pick this as your -first- zap mama album, but on the other hand, it grows on you.

zap mama sounds like the smell of lemon and honey-it's sultry/funky and ---it feels like hot tea in winter----it warms you all over----so make sure you have someone there to bring your temp. down......(or up) while you're listening-

By this album, there is no longer any doubt that Marie Daulne is, in fact, Zap Mama. The acrobatic vocal stylings of Zap Mama are still very evident here. They're still strange too; these women do things with their voices you've never heard before apart from this band. Singing in multiple languages and styles - many styles all their own. African instrumentation, R&B flavor, great stand-up basses, this list of musical elements is extensive.

My favorite songs are "Baba Hooker" which is so cool the way it struts, and "Illioi" which has incredible percussion and bizarre atmosphere including a cute little boy speaking french. "Poetry Man" is an excellent cover of the Phoebe Snow song, pretty faithful but with more UUUMMMPH. Plus, it's got an actual "poetry man" who talks over the song in a very deep voice. Way cool.

With Seven, Marie Daulne & co. draw upon their incredible artistic talents to create some soul flavored world music. A funky departure from the Art music of earlier works like Sabsylma. Ms. Daulne, with Michael Franti and Charlie Hunter in tow, brings Phoebe Snow's 'Poetry Man' new life and warmth. This music belongs on a boom box and not in some Smithsonian collection.

I heard Zap Mama for the first time on Public Radio, although the group has been around for a long time. I heard the obvious roots of Latin/Caribbean sounds.
Nice.

this is a great album by a great group. this is a must have album. it has an excellent blend of different styles. no two songs are the same!!! you wont regret this purchase!