05/11/2007 FATEA Records Magazine |
"Suddenly" is the first single from Zoo's criticallly acclaimed "Greenhouse" album. Hopefully it'll garner some of the attention needed to push the album from critical success to a significant commercial one. Zoo are a jazz trio that create a sensitive blend of the acoustic and the electric. "Suddenly" has a groove that gives the impression of the vocalist laid across a grand piano focusing her attention on one member of the audience, in this case you. It's relaxed, but with an edge. Realisation dawns as the song's being performed that it's not the same as it was. |
12/10/2007 Hartlepool Mail |
'Suddenly' : Light and airy like summer clouds this jazzy number drifts by, helped on its way by the Cleo Laine-esque vocals and lazy double bass. Interesting, but very laid back. |
12/10/2007 County Times |
Jazz trio ZOO's new single 'Suddenly' available to download next Monday comes from their acclaimed Greenhouse album. Sounding like it was recorded in someone's noisy lounge, the song has some airy beatnik vocals with mellow bass and flute notes. Open up the cafe beacuse the beats are back! |
24/08/2007 Toxic Pete |
Zoo - Single - Suddenly
'Suddenly' is slick and sexy, gently persuasive and very easy on the ear. There's no self-indulgence to be found anywhere here - ok, I know it's only a single of just over four minutes but Zoo keep it all nicely laid back and very much a no-frills kinda thing.
Subtle percussion offers loads of space for the expansive bass work to cast its magic and with delicate piano and flute set against the bright, precise vocals the whole thing melds seamlessly into a damn fine piece of nu-jazz - as chilled as you want it to be or, as vibrant as you want to make it.
The piece is a 'live' recording and probably benefits by being nicely loose (in the most controlled way!); it shows that jazz can indeed be a musical art-form for the twenty-first century and bodes well for future Zoo releases. 'Suddenly' by Zoo is a pleasantly laid back piece of accessible jazz that you can enjoy for exactly what it is - you don't have to think too much or be a jazz buff to get what Zoo are doin'! Very nice, very pleasurable and refreshingly different - oh, and certainly nothing to be the slightest bit frightened of!
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30/04/2007 FATEA Records Magazine |
"Greenhouse" is a highly evocative and entertaining that draws heavily on jazz and mixes it into intimate and rich harmonies. Whilst sounding simple, Zoo, manage to hide a wealth of complex interactiosn into their songs with out ever managing to disappear up their own backside. Even as a three piece it can be too easy to over indulge in this sort of album, chosing to show how well you can play rather than providing something that reaches out to the audience. "Greenhouse" reaches out and enchants. |
16/12/2005 Blinded |
Endangered Species CD : "...draws you into its' own beautiful world and makes you want to listen right 'til the end" |
09/05/2005 Spare Room Music |
Endangered Species CD : "Everything oozes class - from the exquisite musicianship, stylised vocals, crisp and clear production - a quality piece of work and must have for all jazz lovers" |
02/03/2003 Brian Maher, The Marrs Bar, Worcester |
"ZOO...a band you should look out for - mellow but jazzy and at the same time mesmerising..." |
29/04/2002 Arts Council England |
"ZOO's music has a great portability and accessibility, whilst still belonging to a contemporary framework..." |
22/04/2002 Andy Hawkins, Pravda Studios |
"ZOO...nice music, but with a sinister edge..." |