Album review: ZZEBRA – Hungry Horse (Live In Germany 1975)

MIG Music [Release date 13.12.23]

Fusion/prog rock band Zzebra recorded two studio albums in the mid 70s (and a 3^rd in 1975 that remained unreleased for 35 years), and some wonderful music that should have been much more in the public eye. And a band I was introduced to by bassist and good friend John McCoy, who played with the band before joining Gillan in 1978.

The two studio albums, Zzebra (1974) and Panic (1975) were well received, and the band toured across the UK and Europe, and recorded a BBC live session too. This set, recorded in Germany, features tracks from both albums.

The band consisted of vocalist Alan Marshall, saxophonist/vocalist Lasisi Amao, saxophonist/flutist David Quincy, keyboard player Tommy Eyre (later of Alex Harvey, Ian Gillan), guitarist Steve Byrd, drummer Liam Genocky and bassist John McCoy. Byrd and McCoy would later play together in Neo, before (with Genocky) joining Gillan.

The set here opens with ‘Panic’, a mix of blues/prog with jazz overtones and vocal harmonies, the rhythm section providing a fine groove while the guitar and saxophones trade solos; a wonderful mix of jazz and hard rock.

A warm reception from the crowd before the band launch into ‘Mr J’, more funky in both rhythm and vocal structure. The mix on the set is excellent, you can pick out the drum, guitar and bass lines well, although the guitar is a little low at times. Then ‘No Point’ which has a slow build, a heavy rhythm, the lead saxophone playing what would be a guitar line in a more mainstream rock band. A distinct funky feel.

There’s a wonderful instrumental version of ‘You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling’, adding a balladic rhythm’n’blues feel to the jazz rock. A gentler song but a chance for the guitar to shine through. It really showcases what a wonderful guitarist Steve Byrd was.

A few paces faster is The Poverty Song, a more 70s rock/pop feel.

The 16 minute closing track Hungry Horse is a must-listen. At times it sounds like a jam, there’s some blistering shred, some more whimsical keyboards, and the extended percussion solo reminiscent of (Eric Burdon’s backing band) War.

Sleevenotes from John McCoy add to the history and quality of the release.

A wonderful album, shows the musicians’ quality and versatility, and alongside the material previously reissued by Angel Air, there’s a fantastic if small catalogue well worth checking out. ****

Review by Joe Geesin

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