First Listen: Duo Alain Zane is soulfully “Wunuvakine”

Share this article

    (July 12, 2022) What happens when two sons, each from a musical dynasty, come together with vintage soulfully funky tape loops from sessions one had recorded in years past with the other coming up with playful, clever lyrics delivered with soul? You get this sultry collaboration, “Wunuvakine” from the team of Cat Alain Colbert and Ethan Zane Browne – collectively known as Alain Zane.

    First the legacy – lyricist/vocalist Cat Alain Colbert’s father is bassist Charles Colbert, co-founder of two legendary bands – the American Breed (“Bend Me, Shape Me”) and the early incarnation of Rufus (which featured songstress Paulette McWilliams – who preceded Chaka Khan). Ethan Zane Browne’s dad is longtime hitmaker Jackson Browne – who encouraged his son to pursue music and even had Ethan record with his band.

    (July 12, 2022) What happens when two sons, each from a musical dynasty, come together with vintage soulfully funky tape loops from sessions one had recorded in years past with the other coming up with playful, clever lyrics delivered with soul? You get this sultry collaboration, “Wunuvakine” from the team of Cat Alain Colbert and Ethan Zane Browne – collectively known as Alain Zane.

    First the legacy – lyricist/vocalist Cat Alain Colbert’s father is bassist Charles Colbert, co-founder of two legendary bands – the American Breed (“Bend Me, Shape Me”) and the early incarnation of Rufus (which featured songstress Paulette McWilliams – who preceded Chaka Khan). Ethan Zane Browne’s dad is longtime hitmaker Jackson Browne – who encouraged his son to pursue music and even had Ethan record with his band.

    With tape loops gathered from recording sessions Ethan conducted years ago, both he and Cat came up with the love and want at first sight inspired “Wunuvakine” (run-on for “one of a kind”). With vocals so forward and soulful, Cat expresses his desire for the one he just met with a combination of gentleman cool and bad-boy swag. Going from “excuse me, lady, do you have some time” to “I lay you down like tape and press unwind” – Cat wastes NO time letting the soon-to-be-lady-of-his-life know what his intentions are (and this is within the early lines in the first verse!). While Cat is upfront on vocals, Ethan lays down a funky beat accented by acoustic piano – keeping the music simple yet moving.

    “Wunuvakine” is the single from Alain Zane’s upcoming album, Right Before Your Eyes (release date – September 23rd). Check out this one-of-a-kind slice of soul. 

    By Kevin Goins

    Alain Zane - "Wunuvakine"

    Follow Alain Zane Online