: Jan Steele leads the project, handling piano, synthesizer, and composition. His approach is described as setting a specific "mood" for each track rather than acting as a traditional bandleader.
The record is widely regarded by listeners on Rate Your Music as a blend of "eclectic ambient jazz," vocal jazz, and avant-garde influences. jan steele / ziz!ensemble - desert island dusks (1986)
Critics and listeners often highlight the album's "nocturnal quirkiness" and "comfy" yet odd aesthetic. It currently holds a high average rating of on Discogs . While some find the pacing to be slow or repetitive, most praise its ability to create a beautiful, immersive collection of "late night piano improvisations" and "dreamy" soundscapes. Jan Steele/ZIZ! Ensemble – Desert Island Dusks : Jan Steele leads the project, handling piano,
: Janet Sherbourne provides sweet, "lush" jazz vocals that serve as a soft extension of the album's saxophone lines. Critics and listeners often highlight the album's "nocturnal
: The music touches on diverse elements including gamelan (specifically on the track "Mary Ashford Music"), electronic cocktail lounge, and "dark jazz". Desert Island Dusks The Victoria Incident/Has Ras City Night Music Nobody But You Mary Ashford Music Motorway Music Ludo Funkatoniko