Despite switching styles, Zap Mama remains enjoyable
Paradise, Boston, October 12, 2009
Reviewed by Jeffrey B. Remz
Zap Mama has come a long way from their African roots. Marie Daulny, the Congo-born and Belgium-bred singer, who is Zap Mama in effect, strayed from the Afro sound on the group's latest disc, "ReCreation."
There is a lot going on musically on the CD, and the same can be said in concert for the lively group.
Last time out - only last year - Daulny assumed the role of chanteuse in concert with not as many musical twists and turns. She has switched gears again, or more properly, expanded her musical set. There are African sounds and chanteuse songs, but more jazzy and bluesy elements as well to the music both on CD and live. Fortunately, Zap Mama opted for a livelier sound than the sometimes late night affair of "ReCreation." One of the live highlights was Vibrations, a new song with an African beat punctuated by a horn player. When Zap Mama opted for a slower sound, the songs sometimes did not measure up and seemed more like filler.
Daulny connected more with the audience than she did last time in Beantown when it was more of a Performance than an interactive concert with a very mannered style and stories presented to the audience. She sang quite well with almost everything these days in English, and fortunately her vocals were mixed quite high. Daulny cut a strong presence on stage, taking command with her force of personality and stylish looks.
Daulny had a strong band with two female singers, adding backing vocals along with a bunch of rhythmic dance moves, sometimes with Daulny participating. Throw in an active rhythm section, a guitarist who could pick away in a staccato African style and more. They were adept at whatever the style, such as the Latin flavorings of Hello to Mama.
One treat for the Boston crowd was the appearance of G. Love, who sang Drifting, with Daulny, recreating his effort on the "ReCreation" CD. That was the first song of the nearly half-hour encore, which may have been the strongest part of the evening, concluding with the lively Sabsylma (What's Your Name?).
Zap Mama may have altered musical paths along its journey, but the music of Daulny and ensemble remains an enjoyable one.
