Mystic Infancy

Jean Pierre Zanella (who goes simply by Zanella) is a talented saxophonist who on this date alternates between alto (his strongest sax), soprano and occasional tenor. The music ranges from creative funk (a little like Steve Coleman, except not as dissonant) and fusion to post-bop (a la Michael Brecker) and relatively straight-ahead jazz. Although it is difficult to tell from the description in the CD jacket (which is in French), some of the music was recorded in Brazil and most of it in Montreal, so chances are there was a lot of overdubbing. Zanella is in the forefront most of the time and he blows with great intensity in spots, really pushing himself. None of the group originals have particularly memorable themes, but their grooves do serve as strong devices for Zanella's playing. Although not for purists (the backgrounds are often dense, electric and "contemporary," yet unpredictable), this is a strong effort of modern, unclassifiable jazz.