The Circle Maker
Issachar
The first CD in Zorn's double disc Circle Maker CD
(the follow up album to Bar
Kokhba) Issachar is a collection of eighteen Masada pieces being performed
by the Masada String Trio (Mark Feldman on violin, Erik
Friedlander on cello, and Greg Cohen on bass). Like most of Zorn's
projects, the CD is heavily based on improv. The album is almost
closer to jazz in nature because it follows the head-solos-head format,
where the trio plays a melody or head, then improvises on that melody,
then wraps up the song with that melody. The improv on the album is top
notch, the string trio being comprised of three highly inventive improvisors
and composers in their own right. A highly original work of art, an excellent
collaboration between John Zorn and three of the best improvisors working
today.
Mark Feldman - violin
Erik Friedlander - cello
Greg Cohen - bass
John Zorn - composer
Zevulun
Zevulun, the second disc in The Circle Maker, features the
Masada String Trio being joined by Marc Ribot on guitar, Cyro Baptista
on percussion and Joey Baron on drums. The addition of percussion gives
the album a latin touch, that perfectly augments the surf tone of Marc
Ribot's guitar. Despite the wide array of seemingly disparate instruments
like violin, cello, electric guitar and Brazillian percussion, Zorn has
brought together a band format that works brilliantly. The guitar and the
strings alternate melodies, and accompany each other in a deft manner,
with the bed of percussion keeping everything together. The musicians are
of such high caliber that what could have become a disastrous situation
has instead become an excellent synthesis of six great musicians and an
original set of songs.
Highlights of the album include the slight, subtle, and
almost ambient undertones provided by the Friedlander,
Ribot and Feldman on Lilin, the upbeat alternation of strings and guitar
on Hazor, and the no holds barred guitar solo on Gevurah. This albums
is one of the most subtle, orginal and accesible albums in Zorn's discography.
Highly recomended.
Mark Feldman - violin
Erik Friedlander - cello
Greg Cohen - bass
Marc Ribot - electric guitar
Cyro Baptista - percussion
Joey Baron - drums
John Zorn - composer
Home // Naked
City // Masada
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