This is not a recording we would usually carry as it is not at all a cappella but it is the latest from the group that was once creating some very interesting a cappella music. Although they are now exploring different musical directions the vocal talents of founder Marie Daulne are still amazing and we thought we would include this new EP (but over 36 mins) for those would might like to hear their latest music.

Founder Marie Daulne's mixed cultural roots, Walloon and Bantu (Belgian and Pygmee) were the stimulus for her musical creation. After studying with the Bantu and in Europe, she organized Zap Mama as an instrument to meld a synthesis of these previously separate traditions. She instantly stood the vocal world on it's head by mixing multiple musical styles, performing them with a group of women who created such rhythmic wonder that everyone sat up and took notice. This first release has many tunes with Pygmee yodel and chant, a 16th century Spanish song, a Cuban song, and elements of Syrian songs - a true example of world music. The exotic beauty of this release makes it a must for any a cappella lover.

Can one of the most original and exciting recordings in world music be followed by a repeat performance? Yes! It seems impossible, but the second release had fans wondering secretly if it wasn't even better than the first. As on the first, Zap Mama uses African rhythms, yodels and chants, always accompanied by an interplay of vocal percussive elements which become so complex that they demand total attention to appreciate. Using vocal techniques never before heard (as they are an original synthesis), these five women transport us not only to Africa and Europe, but to India and Australia in a continuing fabulous world tour. We can't possibly give any recording a more enthusiastic endorsement!

Marie Daulne is Zap Mama. She's gone on an exploratory odyssey on Seven. The rhythms are just as compelling and the vocals are just as inventive, but generally not quite as complex as those to which we are accustomed, for this recording features a variety of band arrangements to complement the vocals. For example, the driving rhythm and guitar work of the very first tune could be from King Sunny Ade, at least up until the last when the tune segues to a bit of the reggae 'No Man No Cry.' The next song starts with a bass and vocal section entirely reminiscent of the a cappella Zap Mama. Then the sultry saxophone comes in and you realize that there will be no predicting what's to come, except that it will be one fascinating album, which truly deserves the 'world' categorization. Though there are no a cappella tracks there is no mistaking the unique vocal arrangements of Zap Mama.

Though completely accompanied, we couldn't pass up the latest outing by Marie Daulne and Zap Mama. An international conglomeration of sound, with African rhythms, lyrics in several languages and a thoroughly contemporary vibe, 'Amazone' is intense and compelling. Daulne's original compositions are all about groove, and can slither, snakelike, through moods hypnotic, such as 'Gissie,' with its repetitive arrangement and vocal clicks, or invigorate and invite, with the gently sensuous 'Songe.' The instrumental accompaniment is bass and percussion driven, a backdrop for the cyclical harmonic structure and relaxed vocal stylings which encourage improvisation. Imaginative, modern production really fleshes out the recording.