More than dozen great discs from the Tzadik label now on sale:
take 3 or more and get $1 of of each
Take 6 or more and get $2 off of each!
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 fancyâ€â€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 knownâ€â€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