Zaar from France
Printed From: Progarchives.com
Category: Progressive Music Lounges
Forum Name: Prog Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
Forum Description: Discuss specific prog bands and their members or a specific sub-genre
URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=43163
Printed Date: November 25 2024 at 01:48
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Topic: Zaar from France
Posted By: avestin
Subject: Zaar from France
Date Posted: November 01 2007 at 23:44
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I added http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=2555 - ZAAR (my first band addition in the ZART) last year I think.
I'll post the bio I wrote here:
Zaar rose from the ashes of Sotos which is another RIO/AVant band. Two Sotos members, guitarist Yan Hazera and drummer Michael Hazera, wished to continue composing music in the same vein as that of their previous band. To accomplish this they invited the two musicians, Pairbon and Cosia from the Familha Artus band and together they formed Zaar in June 2004.
Their musical influences can be traced in different sources. In their first album one can hear RIO, chamber rock, eastern ethnic sounds (portrayed by the violin), Zeuhl characteristics, some jazzy moments and improvisational elements. Their sound is very dynamic, experimental, rich and intricate and it contains some crazy and thrilling musicianship (especially with the hurdy gurdy) as can be expected from a band of this genre. This is a band filled with potential that will undoubtedly produce more excellent albums such as their 2006 “Zaar”. While they do bear a resemblance to Sotos, Zaar have moved away in their sound from their previous incarnation. A must hear for all fans of aforementioned bands and all those who appreciate originality and experimentalism. They released their self titled album in January 2006 via Cuneiform records. On November 7th the band issued this announcement in their website: "Some bad news here...For those who didn't know yet, ZAAR has quit in June 2006, for several reasons. It didn't last long, but we're happy we could at least produce an album that will stand as a testimony of our adventure. Each musician goes on now, and Michael and Yan decided to continue on the same path. They are actually recording an album, on which there will be some pieces initially composed for ZAAR. It is not a band, only a studio project, intitled Akhan Projekt, and the ex-ZAAR came to play on one piece. Thanks to all those who supported us..." On 23/12/06 this announcement was made on Zaar's website: "Most of you probably know this already. Yan has died on November 10, in Barcelona (Spain), after an accidental downfall. The funeral took place on November 17 in Gaas (a small village where we used to rehearse with Sotos and Zaar). The funeral was sober and very beautiful, and music took an important part in it. I would like to thank all of those who showed us sympathy, affection, or simply some enthusiasm towards Yan's music. His music lives... We had started, he and myself, Michael, recording a new album. This album will happen, I really want this. We had completed three pieces, on a total of seven. I found some rough demo recordings of the other pieces on his computer, which will help me finish the album. This project is called "Akhan Projekt". I will create a Myspace page to keep you informed about this. Thanks again to all, family, friends, close or not so close, musicians and non musicians... Yan, I miss you, rest in peace... Michael " Their album http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=12372 - Zaar was released in 2006 by Cuneiform Records.
 1. Sëfir (20:07) Line-up/Musicians- Yan Hazera / guitar Releases informationCD Cuneiform Records (2006) The PA reviews:
Guests ReviewsZAAR — ZaarReview by http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=9106 - Goredo (Miguel Saenger)
Posted Friday, August 04, 2006, 15:24 EST | http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=85784 - Permanent link ZAAR — ZaarReview by http://www.progarchives.com/Collaborators.asp?id=1611 - Arsillus (M.)
Posted Thursday, June 14, 2007, 19:37 EST | http://www.progarchives.com/Review.asp?id=125810 - Permanent link Other reviews:
http://www.progreviews.com/reviews/display.php?rev=zaar-zaar - http://www.progreviews.com/reviews/display.php?rev=zaar-zaar
If you like this, then you should also try their previous incarnation - http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=745 - SOTOS (and if you like Sotos, you should try http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=851 - PRESENT and http://www.progarchives.com/artist.asp?id=1325 - AHVAK ; and if you like those.... well it goes on and on....).
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This is the first time I write a review, and I'm doing this because no one has reviewed this amazing album wich deserves to be listened by lovers of dynamic, experimental and avant-garde compositions. Zaar's first effort shows a group of great musicians playing amazing music, 9 songs full of experimentation and improvisation, a lot of progressions and some jazzy elements. The use of hurdy gurdy is great, and it gives a distinctive sound to this french band. Totally worth listening. For me, 4.3 out of 5. Replies:
Posted By: avestin
Date Posted: November 02 2007 at 08:21
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Some samples are available in their website here - http://pageperso.aol.fr/Miczoz/Zaar_samples.com - http://pageperso.aol.fr/Miczoz/Zaar_samples.com
------------- http://hangingsounds.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow - Hanging Sounds http://www.progarchives.com/ProgRockShopping.asp" rel="nofollow - PA Index of prog music vendors |
Posted By: Apsalar
Date Posted: November 02 2007 at 21:25
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One of my favourite albums of '06, and probably the best prog release (imo). It was a big shock last year hearing 'bout Yan's death, a real shame, the band seemed so close to producing that 'perfect' album. My sincerest respect and condolences go out to this band. youtube video of Sefir: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhs9l6v2lTk - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hhs9l6v2lTk |
Posted By: rileydog22
Date Posted: November 02 2007 at 21:30
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I only have one thing to say about Zaar: ZAAR IS F*CKING AWESOME! Oh, and I should also mention that Sotos, which features the same guitarist and drummer as Zaar, is also pretty f*cking awesome. -------------   |
Posted By: Bj-1
Date Posted: November 03 2007 at 09:46
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Zaar released on the of the best albums of '06. Awesome band, awesome album! ------------- RIO/AVANT/ZEUHL - The best thing you can get with yer pants on! |
Posted By: Syzygy
Date Posted: November 03 2007 at 09:52
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A great band and a very good album (not a masterpiece IMO, but close) - I thought I'd reviewed it (I think I planned to at around the same time as I reviewed the Sotos albums) but obviously I never got around to it. Anyway, one of the highlights of 2006 and well worth checking out.
------------- 'Like so many of you I've got my doubts about how much to contribute to the already rich among us...' Robert Wyatt, Gloria Gloom |
Posted By: VanderGraafKommandöh
Date Posted: November 03 2007 at 10:53
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Indeed, a fantastic band. I also felt sad when I heard about Yan Hazera's untimely passing. I hope Michael will finish that project. -------------   
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Posted By: chamberry
Date Posted: November 03 2007 at 11:56
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One of the better bands in 2006. I really liked their music and I was looking forward for their next release. It was very unexpected to know that one of the brothers died last year. Its been a while since I last heard them. I think I'll give them a play now. ------------- 
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Posted By: electricsilence
Date Posted: November 03 2007 at 14:30
| A great Crimsonish band; I really liked Sotos and Zaar is just an improved version of the band. |