Album: Zee

Overview
"Zee" is an album launched in 1984 by previous Pink Floyd keyboardist, Richard Wright, and guitarist/singer-songwriter, Dave "Dee" Harris, under the band name "Zee". A lesser-known task for Wright, it stands out from the rest of his solo career as it showcases a distinct new age and electronic sound. The album was initially launched in a minimal capacity on vinyl and cassette and didn't gain much commercial success. Nevertheless, the album has developed a cult following among devoted fans of Pink Floyd and Richard Wright's work.

Development of Zee
Following Wright's departure from Pink Floyd in 1980, he began checking out new music styles and trying to find fresh collaborations. In 1983, he met Dave Harris, who was then the diva and guitarist of the British new age band, Fashion. They right away discovered commonalities, and Wright proposed forming a new band together with Harris taking on the role of the lead vocalist and co-songwriter. Thus, Zee was born, marking a departure from Wright's progressive rock roots and accepting the new wave movement.

Album Production
Richard Wright and Dave Harris began collaborating in late 1983, initially experimenting with different noises and concepts in a private studio setting. Intrigued by the capacity of new and emerging music innovation, the duo decided to accept the digital transformation by using electronic instruments, drum machines, and samplers to produce their special sound.

Production of the album "Zee" was dealt with primarily by Wright and Harris, who were supported by a group of engineers and developers. The recording process took numerous months, during which time both artists contributed similarly to the songwriting and arrangement procedure. The final result was a diverse collection of tracks that showcased both the electronic noise of the era and the talents of the musicians involved.

Track Listing and Musical Style
"Zee" functions ten initial tracks, all of which were co-written by Wright and Harris. The album opens with the lead single "Confusion", an upbeat electronic track with catchy melodies and Harris' distinct vocals. This is followed by "Voices", a more atmospheric and synth-heavy song that showcases Wright's keyboard skills. Other notable tracks on the album include the ballad "Private Person", the synth-pop driven "Strange Rhythm", and the anthemic "Seen the Light".

The total sound of "Zee" is a mix of electronic, new age, and progressive rock aspects. Throughout the album, the impact of both musicians appears, with Wright's signature keyboard style complementing Harris' guitar work and meaningful vocals. However, "Zee" mostly deserts the lengthy, complicated structures of timeless Pink Floyd in favor of a more uncomplicated and accessible songwriting technique.

Legacy and Reissues
In spite of being a distinct and interesting partnership in between two gifted musicians, "Zee" was not well-received by critics at the time of its release and stopped working to attain considerable business success. The band carried out a minimal promotional tour in the UK, however there was little appetite for a major tour or additional recordings.

Considering that its preliminary release, "Zee" has become a desired collector's product for fans of both Richard Wright and Pink Floyd. In 2019, the album was finally reissued on CD by Cherry Red Records, giving a new generation of fans the opportunity to discover this interesting chapter in the professions of Wright and Harris. While "Zee" may stand as an interest in the history of both musicians, it remains a testimony to their imagination, creative vision, and desire to take dangers with their music.

Artist: Rick Wright

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