Zaz

The self-titled album debut of Zaz is one of the more exciting French revelations of 2010, boasting a refreshingly unique gypsy jazz style as well as plenty of contemporary pop appeal. Thirty years old at the time of her solo album debut, Zaz is a seasoned vocalist with years of experience as a performer, and her vocals are indeed a wonder to behold. She's a talented jazz vocalist, for sure, and her resemblance to Edith Piaf is striking. In addition to her singing, Zaz is a gifted songwriter credited with either writing or co-writing six of the 11 songs on her debut album. French pop star Raphael is credited with writing three of the remaining songs, "La Fee," "Port Coton," and "Eblouie par la Nuit," and Kerredine Soltani is credited with writing the standout lead single, "Je Veux." Moreover, Raphael is credited with producing four songs on the album: the three that he wrote, plus "Trop Sensible." Alban Sautour, Germain Guyot, and Soltani are also credited with production, and their work is commendable. The gypsy jazz style of the album is tastefully produced, never sounding retro or cliched and, more importantly, never taking anything away from Zaz herself. Moreover, the contributions of four different producers makes for a diverse sound, with the Raphael songs in particular standing out from the others. Clocking in at 11 songs in 39 minutes, Zaz doesn't overstay its welcome and leaves you craving more after the awe-inspiring closing track by Raphael, "Eblouie par la Nuit." Impressive from all standpoints, Zaz is a strong contender for French pop revelation of the year. ~ Jason Birchmeier

R&B/ヒップホップ系の音を連想させるジャケットに騙されてはいけません。このちょこんと座った女性こそ、いまフランスでもっとも期待されている自作自演のシャンソニエなのだ。すでに本国のチャートでも1位を獲得済みのこのデビュー盤、とにかく圧倒的な歌唱力に驚かされた。21世紀のエディット・ピアフと評される（本作でも彼女のカヴァーを収録）ちょっと鼻にかかった強烈なハスキー・ヴォイスが印象的で、妖艶に迫るスロウは情感たっぷりだし、路上ライヴで培ったという即興スキャットやアップ・チューンでの抜群なリズム感なんて思わず踊り出したくなるほど。マヌーシュ・スウィング主体の楽曲や、ジャズ好きにもアピールできるであろう小粋なバック演奏もグッド！
bounce (C)岡本大輔

本国フランスでは〈ピアフの再来〉として大いに騒がれている歌い手ザーズのデビュー盤。マヌーシュ・ジャズ調のサウンドをバックにスウィンギーにかっ飛ばす〈いなせな〉歌いっぷりが彼女の真骨頂だが、優しく染み入るオーガニック・ポップから魂の絶唱に胸打たれるバラード、シャンソン古典まで、何をやらせてもとにかく上手い。その声質もさることながら、どこか気が強そうでお転婆で、それでいてペーソス溢れる稀代の表現力は、ピアフが引き合いに出されるのも納得だ。
intoxicate (C)田中幹也