01	Elioth						07:37
	02	Thebes						07:11
	03	Baityare						08:11
	04	Cobra						06:38
	05	Yzzo						06:42
	06	Sable						03:48
	07	Ozz						06:07
	08	Sakkarah						05:49
	09	Des Fleurs Pour Nefertiti						07:34

ZAO
Akhenaton (Musea FGBG 4125.AR) 1994
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A reformed ZAO demands some questions: such as "How does the new work compare with their masterworks of the early 70s"? But basically the main question is for the listener - "What do you want from a reformation"? To sound the same as their early stuff? To play the same instruments or even the old tunes? The only questions for ZAO themselves are "Is it in the right spirit"? "Are we evolving / developing our music"? One day we hope to have an interview with Faton or Yochk'o, maybe we will have answers, maybe not.

ZAO have chosen the path of continual evolution. Herein we have a clear feel of some progressive Zeuhl and jazz pieces in the unique mould of 'Osiris' - this is partially a ZAO album in the classic style, with the strong interplay between violin and sax as the basis of their sound. Perhaps 30% of the material is Zeuhl (or at least indisputably ZAO). Understandably, the rest of the album is more reminiscent of the late 80's solo projects by Faton and Yochk'o. Cahen's keyboard playing is instantly recognisable as is Seffer's intricately structured blowing which teeters on the edge of improvisation whilst constantly reinforcing his Hungarian roots. Patrick Tilleman is an exceptional violinist but his sophisticated style is the inverse of the rawness, which Jean-Yves Rigaud once exhibited. Dominique Bertram on bass is very subtle for much of ' Akhenaton'. Like Tilleman, Bertram played with Zao in '76. Jean-My Truong remains awesome - when the composition allows, and tasteful for the remainder.

That tackles my confused emotions regarding 'Akhenaton'. I have one other niggling reservation- regarding the piano timbre. Call me a technophobe, but wouldn't you prefer the sound of a Fender Rhodes to a sampled and sanitised Wersi? 'Akhenaton' highlights: 'Elioth' - Nice bass sound, classic Seffer sax phrasing. 'Thebes' - the main theme is a perfect continuation of the early material. 'Sable' - A powerful track with a scorching violin section. But, returning to my initial thoughts, how does this CD compare with the 73-75 material? To be frank, I still prefer the early albums but maybe in time I could grow to love this one too. If you prefer Cahen's solo albums to his work with ZAO then you will like this a lot. In terms of musicianship, the whole album is exemplary. The last question is "Should I get this"? Answer? Yes.... after you buy the first three!