John Zorn/Masada - Masada V.1

Artist:

Zorn, John (Composer)

UPC:

4988044008885

See Also:

Baron, Joey

Description:

Masada: John Zorn (alto saxophone); Dave Douglas (trumpet); Greg Cohen (bass); Joey Baron (drums).
Recorded at RPM Studios, New York, New York on February 20, 1994.
Masada is often referred to as super-experimentalist John Zorn`s klezmer group. While Zorn composes all of Masada`s music in one of two "Jewish scales" (either a major scale with a second note flat or a minor scale with the fourth note sharp), it otherwise becomes difficult to categorize this unique ensemble. Saxophonist Zorn, trumpeter Dave Douglas, bassist Greg Cohen, and drummer Joey Baron fuse traditional hard bop, noir-ish atmospherics, Ornette Coleman-style free-improv, beautiful, ghostly melodies, and even Latin rhythmic elements while disguising the whole in klezmer`s clothes.
Those who know Zorn merely as an avant-noisemaker may be surprised at Masada`s accessibility. ALEF, the first in the group`s rapidly expanding catalogue of albums, is one of the group`s friendlier entry points. Tracks as wonderfully infectious as "Tzofeh," as hauntingly lovely as "Ashnah," and as slyly groovy as "Tahah" will appeal to straight-ahead jazz fans as well as enthusiasts of Zorn`s other work. As always, Zorn has surrounded himself with masterful and remarkably inventive players, and the superior musicianship and excellent compositions mark this unique musical experience.

Track Listing:

DISC 1

1. Jair
2. Bith Aneth
3. Tzofeh
4. Ashnah
5. Tahah
6. Kanah
7. Delin
8. Janohah
9. Zebdi
10. Idalah-Abal
11. Zelah

Album Information

Release Date:

03/01/1995

Type:

Performer

Genre:

Jazz Instrument

Subgenre:

Avant-Garde/Downtown

Label:

Disk Union (Japan)

Catalog Number:

DIW 888

Original Release Year:

1994

# of Discs:

1

Studio/Live:

Studio

Mono/Stereo:

Stereo

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