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(Instinctive Travels/Creative Vibes)
The dream of one man has become a collective of Bordeaux musicians who collaborate under the name Zimpala. Better known as house/nu-jazz DJ, DJ BNX, Frederic Beneix is the mastermind of the group who, whilst not being a musician so to speak himself, acts as the director. This is the second album for Zimpala and offers a journey through nu-jazz based sounds, for both on and off the dancefloor. The result is a release rich in soul that combines aspects of soundscape type moods with live percussive nu-jazz sounds. This is an album which would not be limited in appeal to fans of the genre alone and well worth a check out for those who love their music rich in texture and feeling.
The opening songSugar has the immediate feel of a Shirley Bassey remix. Featuring the beautiful voice of Noemi Bresset it feels as though it would be right at home on the recent Verve Remixed compilation with it’s luscious vocals accompanied by soft percussive beats, piano and layers of various sounds. The Breeze is Black seems to be heading in the same direction when first listening (minus the female vocals) until just before the two minute mark of the track Amaud Pirret kicks in with some deep funky live bass and the track takes a turn for the better, ensuring the album now progresses rather than stays at the same level. Can’t Fall Asleep is late night deep house. A little bit of funk and a lot of deep beats with a hypnotic lyric “I simply can’t fall asleep” sure to be a dancefloor hit. Bresset then returns for Adios which has a similar feel to her first appearance. Spanish sounding acoustic guitar and laid laidback percussion give this a distinct latin feel.
The midpoint of the album is reached with the distinctly jazz influenced Ovnie, it’s nodding bassline perfect for cruising through a lazy Sunday afternoon. Rove retains this feel, achieved through it’s broken rhythmic pattern and xylophone sounding accompaniment giving it a deep and echoing feel. Tomba provides further proof that highlights come when Pirret is involved in the songwriting. His bass playing is impossible to ignore and not tap a foot to. The altering effects of the piano playing, sax bursts and chanting vocals all enhance the song, never stealing anything from that funky bass. Rush is a track which is bugging me because I can’t work out what it reminds me of (or is sampled from). It’s similarity in strung out bliss to early Air material is apparent but I remain convinced there is something else as well. The album finishes on a “bonus track”, Crazy Girl. It features Bresset again on vocals, but this time with a more driving bass line and beat. Definitely dancefloor material with it’s percussive funkiness and overall deep driving momentum.
If you haven’t heard of Zimpala check out this album. For all those who love their dance music with a jazzy feel, or for that matter jazz with a dancefloor feel, check this out. The use of live musicians definitely enhances the album and gives the tracks more life, even during the more chilled and relaxed moments.
