At each release bearing the ZIMPALA seal (a whole bunch of EPs, compilations, 1st album « Almaviva » released in 2000), Frédéric Beneix's fantasy has been getting more and more real to become today with « The Breeze is Black » a totally concret evidence! Best known behind turntables under the name of Dj BNX (Europe tour with Les Négresses Vertes, US tour with Dj Nickodemus, Australia for a collaboration with a dancers, jugglers and Vjs troupe at the Opera House of Sydney, etc ), he now offers his music among collective ZIMPALA.
When, 5 years ago, he bonds with friend David Walters for adventurous Dj sets between house and electro-jazz, BNX he already has on his mind this reunion of musicians, female singers and producers who would offer the rigidity of electronic music some warmth and life... Not a musician himself, il recruits and directs the collective as a producer would have 30 years ago : choosing the musical colour, giving artitic indications, conducting sessions, etc... For their 2nd release on Platinum records ( signature of Rubin Steiner... ) ZIMPALA has become a tight and experienced entity. It articulates around the luxurious arrangements of duo Benja & Fatalis (aka The Film), the Noémie's gracious vocals, Anthon's melodic sense, Arnaud Pierret's round bass and « bordono »'s rhythm precision. Even early days companion David Walters (signed solo on label Ya Basta !) is part of an African trip. All are special and multi-talented, working either in solo or as a band.
The rule is that there are no rules. The result? An elastic Nu-soul able to seduce both fans of label Compost and of Ninja Tune. Imagine Jazzanova ready to battle musically with Herbaliser for... Less dark hip hop than for the latter, more sensual and mysterious soul. Top all this with cinematic escapades at the frontiers of jazz and concrete music (Kush !), old new wave melodies hints (Mismo) or Hispanic hits between Buscemi and an Almodovar soundtrack (Adios), not forgetting the spicy and alert side of a genuine troupe ready to set the stage on fire. Which they are doing today with Arnaud Pierret on bass, Noémie on vocals, « bordono » on programming and brass (sax and clarinet), and Anthon on guitar and keyboards. Simply a spectacular show... ( Mars 2003 )
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