John Zorn

Bumping this hibernating bear as well.

I apparently never posted here, but I'm a big JZ fan. I'm 95% sure the first Zorn I heard was Naked City's debut, which I found excellent. So many exciting music styles blended together into a viscous stew. I'll be honest, no idea where I went after that. But today my favorite projects of his are:

Naked City
Painkiller (who only get better with repeated listenings IMO)
Moonchild Trio (who are rarely a trio anymore)

Been salivating over Masada and The Dreamers as of late (two projects I found long ago but only started fully enjoying as of late). Electric Masada included in Masada. His Masada Book Two is a very interesting project/theory that has produced some gems (my favorites being Metheny's and Secret Chief 3's).

And can't forget to mention his label Tzadik which is a blessed beacon to the world of experimental/forward looking/weird sh*t music.

snobb wrote: I like Bar Kokhba project also even if it is far not typical Zorn's music (if there exists "typical Zorn's music" at all ) - Bar Kokhba is Zorn's turn on world fusion with minimum free jazz flavor (if at all).

I really like Bar Kokhba. I still need to hear all of the Masada songbooks.

Electric Masada is definitely my favourite interpretation. 50th Anniversary Celebration and Mountains of Madness are amazing performances.

I like Bar Kokhba project also even if it is far not typical Zorn's music (if there exists "typical Zorn's music" at all ) - Bar Kokhba is Zorn's turn on world fusion with minimum free jazz flavor (if at all).

I like it. Very experimental and electronic.

Yes, but he must listen to how the darkness and misery of this world sound in music.

That was great did not get a chance to hear them all but tomorrow will continue.

Matt wrote: Pablo that was great, thanks.   Looks like I have a bit more to hear from Polo  Loved both so far.......awesome

There are quite a few pro-shot Zorn concerts on BibiAudiofil's youtube channel. 

Edited by Polo - 15 Jul 2011 at 6:02pm

Thanks Slava. that was my Paul on the road to Damascus experience for me today. Talk about chalk and cheese. What an improvement.  Loved it. Does Zorn keep it tight. I wonder if he is like what Frank Zappa was with the band ? Tough and a bastard with the rehearsals. Saw him conducting on the video. Anyway say it again loved it  Rocks that one. (full on just as I like them)

Naked City sounds interesting too John. Have heard of the album (film) but never listened. After Spy vs Spy  

I'm not a huge fan Matt, but you may like Zorn's "Naked City" a great poutpourri of New York City music from hard bop to spy movie music, some punk and all kinds of stuff, very fun non-serious type album to me, but good smart musicianship from a great back-up band, and I agree Spy vs Spy is pretty bad.