News Archives

THE TZADIK LABEL SPECTRUM SERIES, GNOSTIC TRIO, SIMULACRUM & JON NADOF CD SALE!

Tzadik celebrates its third decade of activity with a new look and an even more open and eclectic policy. Music from all over the map by the very best composer/performers working today. - John Zorn

The Tzadik Spectrum Series Sale: 15 wonderful discs from Tzadik's great Spectrum Series are now on sale. Here's the deal:

Take 3 - 5 CD's and get $1.00 off of each one

Take 6 or more and get $2.00 off of each one

There are short blurbs for each of these listed below the skeletal list…

CYRO BAPTISTA With TIM KEIPER / IRA COLEMAN / VINCENT SEGAL / IKUE MORI / AMIR ZIV - BlueFly (Tzadik 4014; USA)
CD $14

KARL BERGER - Gently Unfamiliar (Tzadik 4006; USA)
CD $14

PER BLOLAND // ECCE ENSEMBLE - Chamber Industrial (Tzadik 4008; USA)
CD $14

BLUE BUDDHA [LOUIE BELOGENIS / DAVE DOUGLASS / BILL LASWELL /TYSHAWN SOREY] - Blue Buddha (Tzadik 4010; USA)
CD $14

SYLVIE COURVOISIER With DREW GRESS/KENNY WOLLESEN - Double Windsor (Tzadik 4002; USA)
CD $14

ROBERT DICK - Our Cells Know (Tzadik 4016; USA)
CD $14

IKUE MORI - In Light Of Shadows (Tzadik 4007; USA)
CD $14

IKUE MORI With SYLVIE COURVOISIER / OKKYUNG LEE / JIM BLACK - Obelisk (Tzadik 4018; USA)
CD $14

LARRY OCHS With NATE WOOLEY / KEN FILIANO / PASCAL NIGGENKEMPER / HARRIS EISENSTADT (Tzadik 4012; USA)
CD $14

SHANE PARISH - Undertaker Please Drive Slow (Tzadik 4016; USA)
CD $14

PHANTOM ORCHARD ENSEMBLE [ZEENA PARKINS/IKUE MORI With MAJA RATKJE/SYLVIE COURVOISIER/SARA PARKINS/MAGGIE PARKINS] - Through The Looking-Glass (Tzadik 4003; USA)
CD $14

DAVID ROSENBOOM - Naked Curvature (Tzadik 4009; USA)
CD $14

JOHN SCHOTT With DAN SEAMANS / JOHN HANES - Actual Trio (Tzadik 4011; USA)
CD $14

DAVID SMITH / BILL LASWELL / JOHN ZORN - The Dream Membrane (Tzadik 4004; USA)
CD $14

WADADA LEO SMITH / GEORGE LEWIS / JOHN ZORN - Sonic Rivers (Tzadik 4001; USA)
CD $14

CRAIG TABORN and IKUE MORI - Highsmith (Tzadik 4017; USA)
CD $14

KENNY WOLLESEN / JONATHON HAFFNER / DALIUS NAUJO With DOUG WEISELMAN / TIM KIEPER / EIVIND OPSVIK / et al - Rasa Rasa (Tzadik 4005; USA)
CD $14

DANNY ZAMIR - Redemption Songs (Tzadik 4013; USA)
CD $14

************

CYRO BAPTISTA With TIM KEIPER / IRA COLEMAN / VINCENT SEGAL / IKUE MORI / AMIR ZIV - BlueFly (Tzadik 4014; USA) A veteran of groups led by Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo Ma, Laurie Anderson, Paul Simon, Phish, Sting and many more, Cyro Baptista continues to bring life, love and madness to every ensemble he works with. His own bands Banquet of the Spirits and Beat the Donkey tour the world to great acclaim and his CDs continue to be Tzadik best-sellers. Cyro's latest project is a pop-infused psychedelic trip featuring Cyro with a huge lineup of all-star musicians. Three years in the making, this is groovy lyrical instrumental and vocal music that you will listen to morning, noon and night. A classic!
CD $14

KARL BERGER With JOE FONDA / HARVEY SORGEN - Gently Unfamiliar (Tzadik 4006; USA) One of the most versatile and active proponents of creative music, Karl Berger is a living legend who has been expanding the Jazz language since the mid-'60s. A pianist, vibraphonist, composer, arranger, conductor and educator of astounding energy and creativity, Karl has worked with many of the greatest names in New Music: Ornette Coleman, Don Cherry, Gato Barbieri, Anthony Braxton, Bill Laswell and countless others. Following up on his gorgeous 2010 release of solo piano etudes Strangely Familiar, the second CD of Berger's Tzadik trilogy presents his distinctive piano stylings in a trio format with a sensitive and supportive rhythm section.
CD $14

PER BLOLAND - Chamber Industrial (Tzadik 4008; USA) Per Bloland studied at Stanford with Brian Ferneyhough and Mark Applebaum, has worked at IRCAM and Oberlin, and currently teaches at Miami University. His innovative sound world brilliantly blends custom built electronics with instrumental textures to create unique soundscapes unlike anything you've heard before. His work has been performed world wide to great acclaim and Tzadik is proud to present his first full CD release. Passionately performed by Ecce Ensemble Chamber Industrial is an exciting CD of acoustic and electroacoustic compositions filled with surprise and dramatic tension.
CD $14

BLUE BUDDHA [LOUIE BELOGENIS / DAVE DOUGLASS / BILL LASWELL /TYSHAWN SOREY] - Blue Buddha (Tzadik 4010; USA) Tenor saxophonist Louie Belogenis plays with a luminous open heart, and a tone reminiscent of Albert Ayler. Cutting his teeth with masters such as Rashied Ali, Sunny Murray and Borah Bergman he has recorded several CDs under his own name, and now presents his most unique and adventurous group to date. Featuring an all-star ensemble of three of the most exciting musicians working today, this brilliant group performs as if part of a sacred ceremony, seamlessly weaving together diverse traditions. Uncompromising improvisational music that speaks to the spiritual.
CD $14

SYLVIE COURVOISIER With DREW GRESS/KENNY WOLLESEN - Double Windsor (Tzadik 4002; USA) “Sylvie Courvoisier steps out with her long awaited first recording for piano trio! One of the most creative pianists in the downtown scene, and a long time collaborator of Mark Feldman, Ikue Mori and many others, Sylvie combines a brilliant technique with a wild imagination that straddles classical, jazz, improvisation and more. Featuring the dynamic rhythm section of Kenny Wollesen and Drew Gress, the music combines the best of improvisation and composition in the classic piano trio format. Three years in the making this is an essential project that highlights an exciting new musical world.”
CD $14

CRAIG TABORN and IKUE MORI - Highsmith (Tzadik 4017; USA) Two of the most creative, elusive and modest musicians in the Downtown scene in an intimate and free wheeling duo session. Mutual admirers for well over a decade, Ikue and Craig first performed as a duo at the Village Vanguard in December 2016 and now step into the recording studio for an astonishing session of duo improvisations. Inspiring and dynamic music for piano and electronics that explode every expectation. Essential listening for all interested in music that defies ALL categorization.
CD $14

DAVID SMITH / BILL LASWELL / JOHN ZORN - The Dream Membrane (Tzadik 4004; USA) This fabulous collaborative musical project features the legendary magus David Chaim Smith reading selections from his mystical text The Awakening Ground along with the magical creator of Dark Ambient music Bill Laswell on bass and drones, and John Zorn on shofar and alto saxophone. Evocative and meditative, this is a rare and unique project that synthesizes Kabbalah, Mysticism and the hypnotic swirls of Dark Ambient music.
CD $14

ROBERT DICK - Our Cells Know (Tzadik 4016; USA) A true revolutionary, composer/performer/improviser Robert Dick has literally redefined the flute for our age. He has worked with a wide range of musicians from classical, jazz and improvised music backgrounds including Steve Lacy, Evan Parker, George Lewis and many others. Here he focuses in on the elusive contrabass flute, and uses a wide range of extended techniques including multiphonics, percussive effects, circular breathing and more! A unique and heartfelt CD of modern flute music unlike anything you have heard before!
CD $14

IKUE MORI - In Light Of Shadows (Tzadik 4007; USA) A winner of electronic music awards in Europe and the United States, Ikue Mori is one of the most respected composers working in the growing field of laptop electronics. A dedicated and passionate perfectionist, she has created a completely unique and original sound world unlike any other electronic composer around. Her newest CD adds a beautiful melodic twist to her moody, detailed and unique soundscapes and is her most stunning creation to date. Essential listening for anyone interested in electronic music.
CD $14

IKUE MORI With SYLVIE COURVOISIER / OKKYUNG LEE / JIM BLACK - Obelisk (Tzadik 4018; USA) Universally acclaimed as a pioneer in live laptop electronics, Ikue's signature style is still uniquely her own and has influenced two generations of laptop performers. Her new band project Obelisk is a super-band featuring three of the most acclaimed and original players in the Downtown scene: Sylvie Courvoisier, Okkyung Lee and Jim Black. Ikue's startling compositions blend gorgeous melodies with hypnotic rhythms and evocative soundscapes. Strange and beautiful music from a legendary master of laptop improvisation!
CD $14

LARRY OCHS With NATE WOOLEY / KEN FILIANO / PASCAL NIGGENKEMPER / HARRIS EISENSTADT (Tzadik 4012; USA) Founding member of the Rova Sax Quartet, Larry Ochs has worked with many of the greatest musicians in Creative Music-Steve Lacy, Fred Frith, Wadada Leo Smith, Terry Riley, George Lewis, John Zorn, Derek Bailey and countless others. His newest ensemble is an update on the classic New York Contemporary Five and features Larry's Shepp-tinged tenor sax along with some of the best young players out of New York's Downtown scene. Ochs is particularly excited by both the ensemble sound and the music here, a set of pieces he considers to be among his strongest and most successful blendings of composition and improvisation. Fabulous and soulful, The Fictive Five is a tremendous achievement by this West Coast master of surprise! Spectrum series
CD $14

SHANE PARISH - Undertaker Please Drive Slow (Tzadik 4016; USA) A long time resident of the Appalachian town of Asheville, North Carolina, Shane Parish is the mastermind behind the cutting edge rock band Ahleuchatistas. Here he steps out with a remarkable and soulful acoustic solo project that digs deep into Appalachian roots. Taking classic old times folk songs, Shane has abstracted them in utterly fascinating ways evoking the haunting and brooding world of the American South. At times reminiscent of John Fahey and Robbie Basho, at times of John Cage and Morton Feldman, Shane uses these beautiful songs as launching pads for his creative flights of fancy, boiling them down to their very essence.
CD $14

PHANTOM ORCHARD ENSEMBLE [ZEENA PARKINS/IKUE MORI With MAJA S.K. RATKJE/SYLVIE COURVOISIER/SARA PARKINS/MAGGIE PARKINS] - Through The Looking-Glass (Tzadik 4003; USA) Expanding their duo into a sextet with the addition of strings, piano and voice, Ikue and Zeena have created a compelling and varied soundscape inspired by fairy stories the world over. Combining plucked and bowed strings, sinuous vocals, driving percussion and Ikue Mori's trademark electronics into a balanced and unified whole, Through the Looking Glass is a kaleidoscope of exotic and beautiful sonorties filled with drama, mystery and a modern orchestral sweep. Three years in the making, Through the Looking-glass is Phantom Orchard's most ambitious and accomplished production yet.
CD $14

DAVID ROSENBOOM - Naked Curvature (Tzadik 4009; USA) Active since the 1960s, composer/performer/educator/instrument builder and improviser, David Rosenboom, has been at the cutting edge of contemporary music, scoring for orchestra, opera, solo performance, chamber ensembles, improvisers, electronics, dance and more. This exciting release presents his whispered chamber opera/concerto grosso for six instrumentalists, whispering voices, electronics and interactive computer software. Written in modular open form sections allowing each performance to be unique, the recording was produced and conducted under the composer's direction and features the virtuosic CalArts Chamber Ensemble. A unique masterwork from this legendary composer.
CD $14

JOHN SCHOTT With DAN SEAMANS / JOHN HANES - Actual Trio (Tzadik 4011; USA) A veteran of Junk Genius with Ben Goldberg, T.J. Kirk with Charlie Hunter as well as varied projects with Tom Waits, John Zorn and many others, John Schott is one of the most dynamic guitarists out of the Bay Area. For his third CD on Tzadik he presents an exciting guitar trio with two of his closest musical associates. Beautiful compositions, spare and lean and fabulous telepathic improvising makes this one of John's best CDs to date.
CD $14

WADADA LEO SMITH / GEORGE LEWIS / JOHN ZORN - Sonic Rivers (Tzadik 4001; USA) Tzadik introduces its new SPECTRUM series with a very special and exciting new group featuring three of the most creative wind players in new music. Friends and colleagues since the '70s, these three musicians share a vision of improvisation and composition that is unique, virtuosic and cooperative. Performing compositions and collective improvisations, they sculpt sound and silence with masterly assurance. Surprising yet completely inevitable, this is an essential document of improvisational music in the 21st century by three contemporary masters.
CD $14

KENNY WOLLESEN / JONATHON HAFFNER / DALIUS NAUJO With DOUG WEISELMAN / TIM KIEPER / EIVIND OPSVIK / et al - Rasa Rasa (Tzadik 4005; USA) For their first Tzadik release Rasa Rasa members Kenny Wollesen, Dalius Naujokaitis, Jonathon Haffner and Sean Francis Conway have arranged the ancient polyphonic vocal music of Lithuania using a variety of ensembles and the result is an entirely new musical world. Charming, infective grooves, imaginative arrangements and ancient vocal rounds featuring six Lithuanian singers, brand new Wollesonic instruments and Neapolitian poet Giuseppe Zevola blend together in this fabulous new project
CD $14

DANNY ZAMIR - Redemption Songs (Tzadik 4013; USA) Returning to Tzadik with a powerful Israeli quartet, super star Daniel Zamir plays his brilliant blend of Jewish Jazz with a deep spiritual power. Performing on alto and soprano saxophone, his solos burn with a white hot intensity. Joined here by some of his strongest musical associates, including Mark Guiliana and Shai Maestro, this is far and away his best CD to date. Scorching and fluid saxophone fireworks over brilliant harmonies and odd time signatures from one of the guiding lights of the Israeli Jazz scene.
CD $14

*******

TZADIK LABEL SALE - Part 2: BILL FRISELL & THE GNOSTIC TRIO / SIMULACRUM & JON MADOF...

Original Downtown guitar great Bill Frisell recently moved back here so we will be seeing him play more often - hooray! Many folks don't know that he a member of the Gnostic Trio which plays the music of John Zorn. They play live very rarely. They now have six CDs and each one is worth checking out. Out Zorn/Tzadik sale begins with these:


JOHN ZORN//GNOSTIC TRIO [BILL FRISELL/CAROL EMANUEL/KENNY WOLLESEN] - The Gnostic Preludes: Music Of Splendor (Tzadik 7395; USA) Get ready for some of the most beautiful music Zorn has ever made! The Gnostic Preludes is the latest volume in the mystical quest of In Search of the Miraculous, The Goddess and At the Gates of Paradise. Here Zorn turns to chamber music simplicity with an intimate ensemble of harp, vibraphone and guitar inspired by Early Music, Debussy, the minimalism of Reich, Riley and Glass and esoteric spiritual traditions from around the world. The music is lyrical and hypnotic, perfect for early morning meditation, a lonely afternoon, or midnight contemplation. Performed with great feeling by long time Zorn collaborators Bill Frisell, Carol Emanuel and Kenny Wollesen, who interact with sensitivity and grace The Gnostic Preludes is one of Zorn's most tender and subtle creations.
CD $14

JOHN ZORN//GNOSTIC TRIO [BILL FRISELL/CAROL EMANUEL/KENNY WOLLESEN] - The Mysteries (Tzadik 8306; USA) A second volume from the fabulous Gnostic Trio of Bill Frisell, Carol Emanuel and Kenny Wollesen who first came together on the Gnostic Preludes from 2012. Universally acclaimed as one of Zorn's most beautiful and evocative projects, the music here follows in that tradition - a minimalist modal lyricism distinguished by complex rhythmic twists and turns, Zorn's dramatic ever-shifting sound blocks and of course the brilliant improvisations of guitar wizard Bill Frisell. Gorgeous mystical music uniting Ancient traditions with those of the 21st century, this is a charming collection of Gnostic Odes and Dances to be enjoyed by young and old alike!
CD $14

JOHN ZORN//GNOSTIC TRIO [BILL FRISELL/CAROL EMANUEL/KENNY WOLLESEN] - In Lambeth: Visions From The Walled Garden Of William Blake (Tzadik 8309; USA) The third CD by Zorn's most intimate 21st century ensemble The Gnostic Trio features these three master musicians tighter than ever. Lush and lyrical, Frisell really opens up adding a level of subtle nuance and beauty to the shimmering tones of harp and vibraphone. Subtitled "Visions from the Walled Garden of William Blake", In Lambeth celebrates the remarkable work of this legendary Romantic poet, artist and philosopher, presenting nine gorgeous compositions capturing the innocence, open heart, transcendent wisdom and subtle melancholy of one of the world's most beloved visionaries.
CD $14

JOHN ZORN//GNOSTIC TRIO [BILL FRISELL/CAROL EMANUEL/KENNY WOLLESEN] - The Testament Of Solomon (Tzadik 8321; USA) For their fourth release, Zorn's most intimate and spiritual 21st century ensemble returns with a melodic and open book of music reminiscent of the Masada music. Drawing inspiration from the Biblical Song of Solomon and originally intended as a companion piece to Zorn's vocal masterpiece Shir Hashirim, the music is regal, sensual and romantic-a magical blend of classical, jazz and folk music. There has never been a group like the Gnostic Trio, and The Testament of Solomon is a unique CD in their catalog, filled with strong solos, telepathic interplay and a charming lyricism.
CD $14

JOHN ZORN//GNOSTIC TRIO [BILL FRISELL/CAROL EMANUEL/KENNY WOLLESEN] - Transmigration Of The Magus (Tzadik 8324; USA) This newest release by The Gnostic Trio expands the group into a sextet of two harps, two vibraphones, guitar and organ. Drawing inspiration from various Gnostic philosophies of the Nag Hammadi library, Transmigration of the Magus is a musical evocation of the mystical journey of the soul through the bardo. Lyrical, tender, flowing and intensely emotional, the music has a lush orchestral sweep and features Bill Frisell and John Medeski reveling within the magical sonorities of vibraphones, bells and harps. Created to help the passing of Zorn's dear friend Lou Reed through the bardo realms, and released on the one year anniversary of his passing, Transmigration of the Magus is a memorial tribute to one of Zorn's musical mentors, and is one of his most touching and emotional projects-truly music of the angels.
CD $16

JOHN ZORN // [GNOSTIC TRIO] BILL FRISELL / CAROL EMANUEL / KENNY WOLLESEN - The Mockingbird (Tzadik 8344; USA) Featuring the magical sonorities of Bill Frisell's guitar in a heavenly tapestry of harp and vibraphone, the Gnostic Trio is one of the most sublime ensembles in Zorn's ever-expanding universe. Their sixth CD is their best yet, and presents gorgeous and intimate chamber music touching upon themes of innocence, adventure, childhood and longing that unfold like an exotic flower. Inspired by the charming character Scout from the American classic To Kill A Mockingbird and tempered by a folk-like simplicity, Zorn and company spins an hypnotic web of melodic beauty to soothe the restless spirit.
CD $14

JOHN ZORN MASADA 10 YEARS [V.A. With BILL FRISELL/MARC RIBOT/TIM SPARKS] - Vol 1: Masada Guitars (Tzadik 7171; USA) In 1993 John Zorn began composing and performing his 208 tunes that now comprise what is known as the Masada songbook. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of this, his most popular musical project, John Zorn has organized a series of CDs, featuring his most illustrious colleagues performing their own unique arrangements of these classics of modern Jewish music. This first release contains three guitarists whose styles are as varied as the compositions they perform. From the singular brilliance of Marc Ribot, the lush sonorities of Bill Frisell, to the orchestral virtuosity of Tim Sparks, Masada Guitars is a glittering tribute, lovingly executed by three of the most original guitarists in the world. TZADIK RADICAL JEWISH CULTURE SERIES
CD $14


SIMULACRUM - MATT HOLLENBERG plays lead guitar for Cleric, a brutal, post-metal band from the Philly area. Cleric will be included in the Masada - Book 3 (10 CD) box set which will be released in the Spring of 2018. Less than a decade ago, Zorn began composing for a trio called SIMULACRUM featuring: Matt Hollenberg on guitar, John Medeski on organ and Kenny Grohowski on drums. The instrumentation is the same as the original Tony Williams Lifetime (from 1970) and there is some of that energy/power in their sound. Simulacrum now have six CD's and were featured in Downbeat magazine earlier this year. They have also performed John Zorn's Bagatelles on several occasions. Remember that Zorn's Bagatelles are only performed live and will not be recorded.

JOHN ZORN//SIMULACRUM [JOHN MEDESKI/MATT HOLLENBERG/KENNY GROHOWSKI] - Simulacrum (Tzadik 8330; USA)The most extreme organ trio ever, Simulacrum is yet another wild new direction from Downtown Alchemist John Zorn, who continues to explore new worlds and new ensembles into his sixth decade. Dramatic through-composed pieces that unfold with a cinematic logic, this genre bending music defies classification, touching upon metal, jazz, minimalism, atonality, noise and more. Passionately performed by an unusual all-star trio of John Medeski (MMW), Matt Hollenberg (Cleric) and Kenny Grohowski (Abraxas), this is powerful and fascinating music that highlights the MENTAL in experimental! Riveting!
CD $17

JOHN ZORN//SIMULACRUM [JOHN MEDESKI/MATT HOLLENBERG/KENNY GROHOWSKI] - True Discoveries Of Witches And Demons (Tzadik 8335; USA) The True Discoveries of Witches and Demons is the second release by Zorn's heavy new organ trio of John Medeski, Matt Hollenberg and Kenny Grohowski. Described as Tony Williams' Lifetime on steroids, here they are joined by special guests Marc Ribot and Trevor Dunn to make the music even heavier and more intense. This is white hot, mind bending music filled with heavy riffs, fiery solos and improvisational madness. Three generations of musical explorers come together to rip your mind to shreds in the second installment from Zorn's heaviest new ensemble Simulacrum.
CD $17

JOHN ZORN//SIMULACRUM [JOHN MEDESKI/MATT HOLLENBERG/KENNY GROHOWSKI] - Inferno (Tzadik 8336; USA) The third CD from Zorn's most extreme new ensemble is inspired by the work of Swedish playwright, poet, painter, philosopher, alchemist, occultist and novelist August Strindberg, whose dark brooding visions were a precursor to expressionism and surrealism, influencing artists such as Antonin Artaud and Ingmar Bergman. Inferno presents a variety of compositions touching upon metal, jazz, minimalism, atonality, ambient and more, all strung together with Zornian logic and intensity. Breaking new ground in the world of musical madness, Simulacrum is one of the most unusual and powerful organ trios ever created.
CD $17

JOHN ZORN//SIMULACRUM [JOHN MEDESKI/MATT HOLLENBERG/KENNY GROHOWSKI] - The Painted Bird (Tzadik 8342; USA) The fourth CD in a 12-month period by Zorn's most powerful new ensemble presents nine genre-busting compositions mixing jazz, metal, classical, world music and more. This time their trademark sound is augmented by the ringing tones of Kenny Wollesen's vibraphone to create their wildest, most insane CD to date. Juxtaposing complex atonal lines, driving vamps, heavy metal riffs, improvisational madness, shredding solos and moments of profound lyricism, The Painted Bird is a surreal and expressive new world in sound. Moonchild meets Nova Express!
CD $14

JOHN ZORN / SIMULACRUM: MATT HOLLENBERG / JOHN MEDESKI / KENNY GROHOWSKY - 49 Acts Of Unspeakable Depravity In The Abominable Life And Times Of Gilles De Rais (Tzadik 8448; USA) 49 Acts of Unspeakable Depravity in the Abominable Life‘ and Times of Gilles de Rais is the fifth CD by Simulacrum, an organ trio of unparalleled power that brings the sounds of heavy metal, blues, funk and jazz together with modern classical music. Tighter than ever and able to stop and start at breakneck speed, Medeski, Hollenberg and Grohowski are at their raging best as they blaze through Zorn's wildest flights of fancy—a ten-movement suite evoking a sick and decadent descent into madness. Driven by an intense and powerful fury, this CD contains some of the craziest sounds you are ever likely to hear as genres, noise, instrumental colors and driving rhythms collide head-on. A jaw-dropping visit to a new musical world where absolutely anything is possible!
CD $16

JOHN ZORN//SIMULACRUM [MATT HOLLENBERG/JOHN MEDESKI/KENNY GROHOWSKI] TREVOR DUNN / SARA SERPA - MEDESKI/KENNY GROHOWSKI] TREVOR DUNN / SARA SERPA THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS (Tzadik 8351; USA) The sixth CD by Zorn's heaviest 21st century ensemble Simulacrum celebrates the 500th anniversary of the passing of one of the greatest painters the world has ever known—Hieronymus Bosch. A visionary of unparalleled power whose imagination and fantastical creations remain uniquely his own, Bosch is one of the most enig- matic figures in world art. Inspired by his surreal visions of Heaven and Hell, The Garden of Earthly Delights blends heavy metal, blues, funk, jazz and modern classical music together into one of the strangest amalgams you've ever heard. Tighter than ever and joined by bassist Trevor Dunn, Medeski, Hollenberg and Grohowski are at their manic best in this jaw-dropping visit to a wild musical world where absolutely anything is possible! Archival Series
CD $17


JON MADOF is one of the guitarists to emerge from the Downtown/Electric Jazz/Rock/Klez scene in many years. His original trio RASHANIM recorded four great CD's for Tzadik (one of John Zorn covers). After that Mr. Madof put together the amazing ZION80, an incredible 10 piece Fele-meets-Electric Klez unit that should be heard live to really be appreciated. This week is Jon Madof week at The Old Stone and Zion80 are playing this Saturday night (12/2/17 at 8:30 for one set.

JON MADOF'S RASHANIM With SHANIR EZRA BLUMENKRANZ/MATHIAS KUNZLI - Rashanim (Tzadik 7178; USA) "An incredible debut from this outstanding new guitar fronted trio featuring Jon Madof electric & acoustic guitars, Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz (from Satlah) on bass and Mathias Kunzli on drums. Considering I had not heard of Mr. Madof before his appearance on the Masada 'Voices' tribute release from last month, I was surprised when I first heard how great his debut cd really is. Although half of the songs here traditional klez or based in Jewish melodies, the other half penned by Mr. Madof, nothing is performed in a traditional way. The trio often kicks hard and Shanir sounds like he is playing electric bass. A trad klez tune called "Der Khusid Geyt Tantsn" gets a ripping, near fusion version with quick, spiraling and frenzied streams of notes. Mathias plays a sly middle-eastern groove on hand drums on "Chroma", with some great, wailing Ribot-like Electric Masada guitar finesse. I dig the way the drums are free to swirl around the locked in parts of the guitar and bass on "Meshek", a somber, elegant piece which features a superb el. bass solo. Jon's "Chanshe's Nign" is another exquisite and haunting gem with one of those endearing and memorable melodies that rings true. Bob Musso recorded and Bill Laswell mixed this consistently excellent treasure, giving everything a nice, warm glow so that the trio's playing and all the songs shine perfectly throughout." -BLG
CD $14

JON MADOF'S RASHANIM With SHANIR EZRA BLUMENKRANZ/MATHIAS KUNZLI - Shalosh (Tzadik 8112; USA) With its exciting blend of rock, jazz and jewish music, Rashanim has quickly become one of the most dynamic bands in the Jewish New Music scene. Their last release Masada Rock has garnered them much well deserved attention, and after extensive touring through Europe the band is more than ready for their third studio recording on Tzadik. Tighter than ever, this Jewish power trio rips through an electrifying program of mystical jewish melodies and middle eastern grooves. RADICAL JEWISH CULTURE SERIES "This the third disc from Rashanim, a post/klez power trio that can rock hard, as well as mix jazz, surf and ethnic influences into a perfect blend. Rashanim is Jon Madof on guitars, Shanir Blumenkranz on electric & acoustic basses, oud & gimbri and Mathias Kunli on drums. Their first CD was all original tunes, their second all Masada songs by John Zorn and on their third, mostly originals by Madof or Kunzli, plus one cover by Rabbi Schlomo Carlebach. Opening with "Ein Gedi", the trio is rocking hard with Jon playing some fine wah-wah guitar. Nice to hear Madof making his guitar talk with that often forgotten pedal, so popular in the late sixties. "Atbash" is a catchy, sort-of surf tune that the Ventures would love to use. Nice to hear both Madof and Shanir on acoustic guitar and acoustic bass on "Da'At", with its enchanting mid-eastern melody and inspire solos from Jon and Shanir. "Cracow Niggun" by Shlomo Carlebach combines both a klez melody with a more rockin' groove. Shanir's dynamic fretless electric bass is featured and he spins dazzling lines of notes underneath Jon's more streamlined, yet charming melody-line. It is also Shanir who takes a heartwarming solo on "Kavanah" as Jon takes his own long dazzling solo, which goes through a number of different sections and styles. "Jacob and Esau" has that furious punk-rock drive and some great twisted, feedback guitar sounds from Jon. Drummer, Mathias Kunzli, who also plays superbly throughout wrote the two final songs and both have compelling melodies. The bluesy, "Ur Ur Lauter Georg", speeds up near the end for a great, rockin' post/klez sort of ending. The final tune, "Ar Aare" is my favorite here, especially since it features Shanir on oud and it has an enchanting, exotic vibe. I am a big fan of the oud, an instrument which until recently is rarely heard in modern jazz or rock. At least not since Ahmed Abdul-Malik made those great record in the fifties. A perfect ending for another treasure from the folks at Tzadik.
CD $14

JON MADOF'S RASHANIM With SHANIR EZRA BLUMENKRANZ/MATHIAS KUNZLI - The Gathering (Tzadik 8144; USA) Rashanim is one of the most exciting young bands exploring New Jewish Music. Combining the intensity of rock with the spontaneity of improvisation, deep Middle Eastern grooves, and mystical Jewish melodies, their first three CDs on Tzadik are some of the most popular on the label. For their fourth release they go unplugged, delivering a powerful acoustic recording that is perhaps their best to date. Lyrical and beautiful, Rashanim joyfully celebrates the Jewish experience with passion, lyricism and a profound sensitivity.
CD $14

JOHN ZORN // JON MADOF'S RASHANIM With SHANIR EXRA BLUMENKRANZ/MATTHIAS KUNZLI MARC RIBOT - Vol 5: Masada Rock - Rashanim Plays The Unknown Masada (Tzadik 8103; USA) Rashanim is one of the hottest young bands in the New Jewish Renaissance and for their second Tzadik release guitarist Jon Madof has turned his versatile arranging talents to ten unknown songs from Zorn's original Masada songbook. The music jumps from heavy rock to Jewish jazz, classical to world beat to create an eclectic program of modern Jewish music in the Zorn tradition. Featuring long time Masada veteran Marc Ribot on several tracks, this is one of the most powerful and dynamic readings of Masada music on disc.
CD $14

ZION80 [With JON MADOF/FRANK LONDON/GREG WALL/JESSICA LURIE/SHANIR BLUMENKRANZ/et al - Zion 80 (Tzadik 8175; USA) By far, this is the most anticipated disc that Tzadik has released in a long while. Ever since their early appearance at the 6th Street Synagogue on Christmas of 2011, the word has been heard and the shofars are a'blowing! The modern day Downtown Klezmer Movement exploded during the early nineties around the Knitting factory scene with bands like Masada, the Klezmatics and Don Byron's Tribute to Mickey Katz. The great Tzadik has released some 75 discs of Klez/Radical Jewish Culture music from around the world. And now, two decades later, the baton has been handed to guitar great Jon Madof from Rashanim (incrdible Tzadik trio) and his new band Zion80! This music is joyous, infectious, burning, funky, greasy and it makes me/us feel good to alive in times of trouble. This is an amazing all-star band with many members from various Tzadik and other Downtown bands: Yoshi Fruchter, Aram Bajakian, Frank London, Matt Darriau (Paradox Trio), Greg Wall, Jessica Lurie, Shanir Blumenkranz and special guest Cyro Baptista. If you buy just one CD this year, grab this sucker - it will make you feel so good! - BLG
CD $14