ReCreation (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

Elements of hip-hop, acid jazz, and neo soul mix with traditional African rhythms, plentiful percussion, and light electronica touches on the seventh album by Zap Mama. Led by vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Marie Daulne, the album was recorded in four different countries and that globetrotting approach is felt on every song. There’s a samba rhythm on “Hello to Mama,” Afro-pop stylings on “Do You Wanna?,” New Orleans funk on “Chill Out,” and vocals in both English and French throughout. She reunites with two other original members of Zap Mama (from back when they were strictly an a cappella group) for some sweet harmonies on the lively “Singing Sisters” and duets with guests Bilal (“The Way You Are”), G. Love (“Drifting”), and French actor Vincent Cassel (the sultry “Paroles Paroles” and “Non, Non, Non”). Overall, ReCreation is an upbeat and energetic display of Daulne’s sophisticated brand of eclectic global grooves.