Outstanding World Recording
ZEBULA AVENUE, "LIFE WILL BE FINE"
Zebula Avenue's powerful world music style - a unique blend of African rhythms, multilingual soulful harmonies, urban guitars, and lyrical messages allows the band to feature their diverse songwriting sensibilities. The band continues to explore the musical territory between world inspired rhythms and Motown inspired pop, rock, R&B and jazz
NOW AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE!
The Award Winning national/international release
'Life Will be Fine'
AT FYE, Virgin Megastores, online at I-Tunes, Amazon.com, Borders, Barnes & Noble, Billboard.com, Best Buy, Circuit City AND ONLINE EVERYWHERE MUSIC IS SOLD WORLDWIDE!
'Life Will Be Fine'
on Megawave Records with distribution by IDN
View Zebula Avenue's EPK
Zebula Avenue video sampler
Critical reviews for 'Life Will Be Fine'
From: allmusic.com
by William Ruhlmann
"Zebula Avenue, which began under the name 47UMa by singer/songwriter/guitarist Gail Baker in Detroit in 1996, have developed into a true hybrid ensemble that matches R&B and rock roots to a variety of world music styles, especially including reggae and South African music. The tracks may be sung in English, French, Spanish, or Swahili, and the group has long since become much more than just a vehicle for Baker, who shares vocals with Maggie McCabe and Maureen Honoré. Honoré in particular is an important element, not only because of her multi-octave voice, which she shows off on such songs as the sexy "Hold Me," but also because she contributes as a songwriter, on that track and others. James Niemi's hard rock guitar solos keep the music familiar, even when the rhythm section, with its exotic percussion, is engaged in a trip around the world. It almost seems too much eclecticism to fit into one band, but somehow all the disparate musical pieces work together without any of them being subsumed. Lyrically, one might hope for something more substantial than the alternately starry-eyed and simple romantic sentiments, but it's hard to complain for long when the beats, the melodies, the singing, and the playing are this engaging."
http://wc05.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:fbfrxzq
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Nov 27, 2007
-Michael G. Nastos; All Music Guide Reviewer,
Cadence Magazine Correspondent,
Downbeat Critics Poll Voter,
WEMU-FM Senior Staff Emeritus Music Host
“Zebula Avenue hails from the Metro Detroit area, but actually they are citizens of the world village. Their infectious world beat music is based on a variety of multi-ethnic influences and dialects that suggest a global music heritage steeped in tribal and ritualistic traditions. Yet this is not a traditionalist or purist folkloric ensemble, but instead rooted in American rhythm and blues and rock and roll. Think Santana meets the Buena Vista Social Club meets King Sunny Ade. The group has also listened to their share of Lord Kitchener, Bob Marley and even Edith Piaf. Subtlety takes a backseat for bravado and pure joy, and the band blends these elements into a potent potpourri of danceable music with shifting rhythms and a powerfully positive message. The female vocalists in Zebula Avenue provide a vivacious over-the-top wall of sound that only at times suggests seductive siren songs, but is more often Amazon warrior. Rhythm is the centerpiece, as the layered percussion sounds, played expertly and with great precision, drives the band forward with every bar and phrase. An occasional polyrhythm or odd meter makes the music interesting for the keen listener, but it is that irrepressible beat that keeps the music consistently stimulating. Lyrics are sung in Spanish, English, Swahili and French, with likely more to come. It's cliché to say the world is the band's oyster, but the statement ring true more so of this group than others who have tread the same path. You also see what you get, as there is no pretension or lack of authenticity in their stance or presentation. Zebula Avenue exudes a spirit that has been in existence for centuries. Now it is up to the rest of the world to catch up.â€
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July 2008 issue of Global Rhythm Magazine
"Zebula Avenue's powerful blend of African rhythms, funky guitar lines, multilingual harmonies, and soulful messages is the fuel that propels songs like "Yemoja" into the stratosphere, riding a wave of Motown-inspired pop, rock, and jazz."
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'Yemoja' live at The Ark
'I Know a Way' live at The Ark
View Zebula Avenue's EPK
ZA performs 'live' on Fox 2 Detroit Morning News 4/23/08
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