DMG Newsletter for December 1st, 2017

December Arrives with a Chill in the Air
Working on Those Best Of Lists, So Don’t Despair
It Takes Time to Go through Newsletters and Do Listening Sessions
So Please be Patient and Those Recommendations will Appear Soon…

New Things from: Die Enttäuschung: Rudi Mahall / Axel Dorner / Christof Thewees / Michael Griener! Alexander Hawkins / Elaine Mitcherner Quartet! J.A. Granelli and Mr. Lucky! Szilard Mezei & Jon Hemmersam! Jeff Parker / Kjetil Moster / Joshua Abrams / John Herndon! Espen Aalberg / Jonas Kulhhammar / Tonrbjorn Zetterberg / Susana Santos Silva!

New & Reissued Discs from Acid Mother Temple & Makoto Kawabata!
Reissues from Spiritualized! The Darkside! UT! The Orb! Pandit Pran Nath!

And a large John Zorn/Tzadik Guitarist Sale: the Gnostic Trio (Bill Frisell), Jon Madof (Rashanim & Zion80) and Matt Hollenberg (Simulacrum)! The Cyber December Monthly Sale Begins Now!

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THE DMG 26TH ANNIVERSARY SERIES OF SONIC CELEBRATIONS Continue with:

Sunday, December 3rd:
6pm: ANDERS NILSSON / HAMPUS OHMAN-FROLUND / SAM KULIK Scandinavian Guitar & Drums Trombone
7pm: AARON NOVIK / PATRICK HOLMES / THOMAS HEBERER / PASCAL NIGGENKEMPER - Clarinet / B-flat Clarinet / Trumpet / ContraBass

Rare Monday, December 4th Event:
6pm: CHRIS PITSIOKOS - Solo Alto Sax
M M / GERALD CLEAVER Duo
CHRIS PITSIOKOS / M M / GERALD CLEAVER - Alto Sax / Trombone / Drums

Sunday, December 10th:
6pm: DISSIPATED FACE: DANIEL CARTER / KURT RALSKE / STEPHEN POPKIN /
MICHAEL LUBLIN / WILL DAHL / BILL MILKOWSKI
7pm: RAS MOSHE /KYOKO KITAMURA / ANDERS NILSSON

Sunday, December 17th:
6pm: ATTRACTIVE NUISANCE: CRAIG FLANAGIN & NORMANDY SHERWOOD: Guitar and Modular Electronics
7pm: PRAIRIE MUFFIN: FUNG CHERN HWEI - Solo Violin!

DMG is located at 13 Monroe St. (between Catherine & Market Sts) in a basement below a small gallery. Take the F train to East Broadway or the 6 train to Canal or the B or D to Grand, or the M-15 bus to Madison & Catherine. Come on Down, the Sunday Music Series is Always Free & the Vibes are Always Cosy

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Fans of Composer JAMES TENNEY, please take note -

Help Be a Part of the James Tenney Recording Project:

Check out: https://www.hatchfund.org/project/world_premiere_recording_of_james_tenneys_changes_64_studies_for_6_harps

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New Things begins with:

DIE ENTTAUSCHUNG [RUDI MAHALL / AXEL DORNER / CHRISTOF THEWES / JAN RODER / MICHAEL GRIENER] - Lavaman (Intakt 289; Switzerland) Featuring Rudi Mahall on bass clarinet & clarinet, Axel Dorner on trumpet, Christof Thewes on trombone, Jan Roder on bass and Michael Griener on drums. Die Enttaushchung have been around for some two decades as a quartet with mostly the same personnel (Mahall, Dorner & Roder). The same three have also been part of Alex Von Schlippenbach’s group, Monk’s Casino. For their latest CD, Die Enttauschung have added a new drummer, Michael Griener and a trombone player, Christof Thewes. Both of whom we know from various collaborations: Griener with Ulrich Gumpert, Carl Ludwig Hubsch & Ernst-Ludwig Petrowsky and Thewes from projects with Tomas Ulrich and Evan Parker.
Everyone in the quintet contributes compositions except for newest member Thewes. From the gitgo, the quintet sounds joyous, blending almost Dixieland-like glee with a freer weaving of their lines. “Falschlich” has an unpredictable start and stop, swing hard one moment and then erupt freely structure with some furious blowing from all three horns. It keeps stopping with some shrewd, twisted horn harmonies peppered throughout. Mr. Griener switches to brushes on “Die Wohlgesonnten”, where each horn takes a short solo in between shorts bursts of tight circular interaction. What makes this quintet special is this: at times the trombone will play one line backed by the rhythm team while the other two horns play intricate lines on top, spinning tightly around one another as they go. The bass and drums a marvel, always shifting effortlessly faster/slower/faster/slower, keeping things balanced as the inner pulse stays in the center of the stream. Considering that there are some 16 pieces here (most under 4 minutes), there are a good deal of surprising twists and turns involved. This music contains very few solos (all are quite short), it is more about the way things are composed, angular structures which keeps turning themselves inside out.At more than 60 minutes, there is way too much inventive playing and composing going on here to describe here so do remember this: although Die Enttuaschung means The Disappointment, there is nothing mildly disappointing about this band or disc. Another winner from Intakt. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $18 (In stock next week)

ALEXANDER HAWKINS - ELAINE MITCHERNER QUARTET - self/titled (Intakt 297; Switzerland) Featuring Alexander Hawkins on piano, Elaine Mitchener on voice, Neil Charles on bass and Stephen Davis on drums. “This quartet represents the collaboration of two of the most distinctive voices of their generation, and stakes out a remarkable common ground from the pair’s vast range of influences and experience. The repertoire fuses Elaine Mitchener’s unique way with both melody and abstraction, with Alexander Hawkins’ idiosyncratic compositional and pianistic world; as well as spotlighting reimagined versions of a small number of beautiful Jazz tunes which reveal the influence of precursors such as Jeanne Lee and Archie Shepp. Structurally, the group with Neil Charles on bass and Stephen Davis on drums function as complete equals, veering radically from the traditional norm of ‘singer plus rhythm section’, instead treating this as only one possible dynamic amongst many.
Brian Morton writes in the liner notes: „This is music that speaks directly to our condition, our uprootedness and our strange fixities of purpose alike. It is clever and emotional. It comes out of jazz, and a whole lot else besides. Mathematicians have mostly done their great work by the age of 30. Musicians often continue to mature for decades. Here is a group, populated by some of our most singular and precious talents, whose greatest talent is to communicate, and whose music already bear the signs of maturity and longevity.”
CD $18 (In stock next week)

J.A. GRANELLI and MR. LUCKY - My Pretty Demon (Self-produced; USA) Featuring J.A. Granelli on piccolo bass & lap steel, Nate Shaw on keyboards and Owen Howard on drums. J.A. Granelli and Mr. Lucky have been around since almost the turn of the millennium, with three fine older discs under their belt. The personnel has included ace Downtown guitarists like David Tronzo or Brad Shepik and keyboard wiz Jamie Saft. Since their debut in 2002, Mr. Tronzo has moved to Boston, Mr. Shepik spends some of his time in France and Mr. Saft moved to the Woodstock area. On their last record, Saft was replaced by keyboard player named Nate Shaw while Mike Sarin was relaxed by the equally fine Owen Howard. You might recognize the name Owen Howard from a few leader dates on Koch and BJU labels. This trio played here at DMG earlier this year and were in fine form. This disc was recorded live at National Sawdust in Brooklyn in March of 2017. Mr. Granelli’s piccolo bass has a lovely sound, sweeping which is often at the center of this trio. Nate Shaw is playing electric piano and synth simultaneously, often changing the sound of the synth to sound like an organ or even mellotron-like swirls. The vibe of the first piece is most cerebral with laid back, dreamy electric piano and synth lines sailing on the waves. The trio breaks into a somewhat funky groove on “My Pretty Demon”, that sly, greasy electric piano has a clavinet-like sound, very mid-seventies. Each piece features a different infectious groove with one keyboard leading the way while Mr. Shaw takes a solo the other keyboard. There was a period of time in the early seventies when the lines between progressive and jazz/rock were blurred. “Music Moves in My Dreams” reminds me of this period, kind of space-rock that takes us on a surreal journey. Granelli’s sly, slinky groove-infested bass ia at the center with some mesmerizing dolphin-like smiles poking through the warm waves. Before we have marketing departments, it matter which pigeon hole we placed certain types of music. It was either good or not, stimulating or not. This is truly a great disc by three musicians who are not bound by categories or tradition. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $10

SZILARD MEZEI / JON HEMMERSAM - Floating Orange (Slam 578; UK) Featuring Szialrd Mezei on viola & double bass and Jon Hemmersam on acoustic guitar. This was recorded at Novi Sad in Serbia in June of 2013. This is the third disc featuring Serbian violist Szilard Mezei and Danish guitarist Jon Hemmersam, the earlier ones included a trio and a quartet. We list around a dozen discs from Jon Hemmersam, who has worked with Bob Moses, Dom Minasi and Dave Liebman. Even more prolific is violist Szilard Mezei who has some three dozen discs out on many labels: Leo, FMR, Not Two, Red Toucan and ARC, from solo to orchestra.
This is an all acoustic offering and it is superbly recorded. The first three pieces are entitled the “Floating Orange Suite” and are over 30 minutes long altogether. There is an bristling intensity going on here as if something is about to explode, yet eventually calms down to some sparse, spacious interplay. There is strong, spirited dialogue going on here, with both players exchanging ideas at both a furious and a calm pace. As one person solos, the other weaves a flurry of activity underneath. Even when Mr. Mezei switches to double bass, the intense narrative continues with tight lines spiraling around one another. There are those occasional magical moments where someone repeats a melodic fragment and the other answers in what sounds like a song or lullaby or sorts. When those transcendent moments appear, it is truly inspiring and makes me smile. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $12 (In stock soon)

Highly Recommended New Discs from Clean Feed:

JEFF PARKER / KJETIL MØSTER / JOSHUA ABRAMS / JOHN HERNDON - Ran Do (Clean Feed 457; Portugal) “Personnel: Kjetil Møster - tenor sax, Jeff Parker - guitar, Joshua Abrams - double bass and John Herndon - drums. This is only the second time that this international quartet played together but already something special is going on. Norwegian saxist Kjetil Møster leads his own band, Moster! plus working in Ultralyd and Trinity (with Ingebrigt Haker Flaten). The other three members are amongst amongst Chicago’s finest: guitar great Jeff Parker (for Fred Anderson, Chicago Underground & Nicole Mitchell), bassist Josh Abrams (leads the Natural Information Society) and drummer John Herndon (Tortoise & Ken Vandermark). Starting off slowly, this music has a sensuous, cerebral quality, a tight, twisted, swerving of the elements. The bowed bass, fractured sax sounds, insect-like guitar scrapes and hushed, frantic drums work well as one force. Eventually the quartet build into an eerie, somber groove as they sail into space, drifting in the clouds. There is a thoughtful, laid back vibe to some of this music, organic, not in a hurray and often uplifting. This music seems to be more about creating a vibe, providing us with some mood-enhancing spirits. I kept thinking that they were about to hit that transcendent level but still kept things simmering nicely. We always seem to want more than we are getting so perhaps it is me that wants too much. I still feels good to me no matter what. - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $14 (weeklong sale price)

ESPEN AALBERG / JONAS KULHAMMAR / TORBJORN ZETTERBERG / SUSANA SANTOS SILVA - Basement Sessions Vol. 4 [The Bali Tapes] (Clean Feed 451; Portugal) Featuring Jonas Kullhammar on tenor sax & flute, Susana Santos Silva on trumpet, Torbjorn Zetterberg on bass and Espen Aalberg on drums & compositions. All four members also play gamelan (percussion music instrument of Indonesia) This is the fourth in a series of Basement Sessions which consist of the same trio: Kulhammar, Zetterberg and Aalberg plus special guest trumpeter Susana Santos Silva. Bassist Torbjorn Zetterberg is the one member of the trio who has recorded the most, working with: Daniel Levin, Alberto Pinton and Ivo Perelman. Ms. Santos Silva (from Portugal & living in Stockholm) has also had a bigger profile in recent times working with Kaja Draksler, Lama (with Chris Speed) and Lotte Anker. All of the pieces here were written by the drummer, Aalberg, except for one, a traditional Javanese song. “Slow Ostinato” does have a slow, dreamy, somber vibe with the soft, hypnotic repeating riff so often found in Gamelan music. The tenor sax of Jonas Kulhammar has an infectious, gritty, spiritual sound and takes a great passion-filled solo, inspired by sax prophets like Trane or Ayler. Mr. Aalberg excels at writing songs which have that wonderful, spiritual jazz-like vibe, a perfect blend of gripping grooves with inspired solos and interplay between the sax and trumpet. Each of the five songs made me want to dance or at least shake and nod to the groove while every horn solo took us for an exciting roller coaster ride. Even the one traditional Javanese song had a most infectious vibe at the center with some quaint gamelan gongs percolating underneath. Everything about this disc is rich and satisfying like a perfect home-cooked meal amongst good friends or family. You need some magical/medicine/music to help you feel better? This is the disc for you! - Bruce Lee Gallanter, DMG
CD $14 (weeklong sale price)

New & Old from ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE & Their leader KAWABATA MAKOTO:

ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE & THE MELTING PARAISO U.F.O. FEAT. PIKA - Astro Infinity Discotheque (Bam Balam Records 051; France) Brand new live album from Acid Mothers Temple, one of the greatest Japanese psychedelic bands, featuring Pika on drums and vocals. Recorded at "15th Acid Mothers Temple Festival" at Tokuzo (Nagoya) on December 10th, 2016. Personnel: Makoto Kawabata - guitar, synthesizer, voice, speed guru; Higashi Hiroshi - synthesizer, Theremin, noodle god; Mitsuko Tabata - guitar, guitar-synthesizer, maratab; Satoshima Nani - drums, another dimension; S/T - bass, space and time; Pika - drums, voice liquidbiupil. Produced and mixed by Makoto Kawabata.
2 LP Set $32

ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE & THE MELTING PARAISO U.F.O.- Cometary Orbital Drive (Bam Balam Records 012; France) Reissue from 2008. Recorded at Acid Mothers Temple, in August and September of 2008. The first movement is called "Light My Fire Ball" and it seems like a groovy, modern vision of the electro-acoustic transgressions made by Can in "Augmn" and "Peking O", on Tago Mago. The atmosphere propels you into a mystic temple. The voodoo incantations by Atsushi is reminiscent of Damo Suzuki's wild voice. "Planet Billions Of Light-Years Away" reveals the theme of the six powerful notes (A-E-D-A-G-Db). Firstly calm and laid back, then energetic and fast, it is more and more powerful and nervous. The sound is great: part flood-in space guitars, part hooked by the catchy rhythms. But "Circular System 7777777", the third movement of this symphony for heavenly riffs, is completely new for Acid Mothers Temple. It is a kind of psychedelic dance song, with an old-fashioned drum machine, but it's so groovy, with reversed cymbals and sexy psychedelic breaks. The last chapter of Cometary Orbital Drive, called "Milky Way Star", is a masterpiece. The song is a kind of musical illustration of the hyper-space, an inter-sidereal rock trip. The tempo is panting, Makoto's soli are more beautiful than ever. The listening is shivering. These thirteen minutes are equal to the A side of the first Ash Ra Tempel record (1971). The booklet doesn't lie; these six-repeated-over-and-over-notes give bright and powerful sensations, with a krautrock purity that will make you dance to touch the stars. Cometary Orbital Drive is an essential record from the Soul Collective, one of those which mixes great stellar riffs, real grooves, inspired experimentations, and absolute cosmos. Presented in a three-panel digipak.
CD $15

ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE ET ROSINA DE PEIRA - Live In Tolosa (Bam Balam Records 024; France) 1st released in 2014. Acid-folk from Japan. One of the greatest Japanese psychedelic bands meets Rosina de Peira, one of the greatest female singers of Occitan traditional music. The music combines acid folk and psychedelia, recorded live in Toulouse (Occitania), France on November 15th, 2012. Presented in a beautiful digisleeve.
CD $15

ACID MOTHERS TEMPLE & THE MELTING PARAISO U.F.O. - La Novia (Bam Balam Records 042; France) 2016 release. A reissue of Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O.'s classic album La Nòvia, originally released in 2001. Recorded at Acid Mothers Temple in May of 2000. One of the best Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Paraiso U.F.O. albums, La Nòvia is an epic forty-minute rendition of an Occitan song by one of the best Japanese psychedelic noise-rock-folk band. This is a slowly evolving and drone-y album with many different and wonderful musical moments all leading to a glorious conclusion. A very cohesive and masterful record. This CD reissue includes a live version of "La Nòvia", recorded in New York in 2016, featuring Cotton Casino. Digitally mastered for the first time by Yoshida Tatsuya.
CD $15

MAKATO KAWABATA - We're One-Sided Lovers Each Other (Bam Balam BBCD 016; Germany) First released in 2013. Guitar-drone from Japan. This is a solo album by the leader and the guitar player of a unique and distinctively sounding Japanese band Acid Mothers Temple. Makoto Kawabata offers his personal vision of the drone, which is a buzzing of slow and hypnotic forms. It is of the similar genre as the albums of Fripp and Eno. Recorded at Acid Mothers Temple; "We're One-Sided Lovers Each Other (Dedicated To O)" was recorded in October 2008, "I Can't Reach Your Lips" was recorded in August 2009. Makoto Kawabata - electric guitar, music, producer, engineer.
CD $14

KAWABATA MAKOTO ET A QUI AVEC GABRIEL - Ame No Tsurugi (Bam Balam 018; France)2013 release. Electric guitar drone and accordion from Japan. Avant-garde duo collaboration between the leader and the guitar player of Acid Mothers Temple, Kawabata Makoto, and the brilliant Japanese female accordionist À Qui Avec Gabriel. À Qui Avec Gabriel is a Japanese accordionist inspired by both French romantics and punk music. Her music has the charm of Satie's music and the melancholy of the Enka music. She regularly plays with Kawabata Makoto, Keiji Haino, and Junzo Suzuki, as well as numerous Tokyo underground artists. John Zorn produced her first album on the Tzadik record label. Presented in a beautiful digisleeve.
CD $14

SQUIMAOTO - squimaoto (Bam Balam 046; France) Makoto Kawabata (Acid Mothers Temple) presents squimaoto. squimaoto is a female trio from Kobe, Japan formed in 2003. They have been preparing their comeback for 2017 with the help of Kawabata, who has been remixing and adapting their self-titled album (2007). Just on hearing the first few notes of squimaoto, the chaos seems overwhelming. However, this chaos is in fact quite controlled. It is synonymous with loops, permanent returns to square one, then a few detours, and recurring pitfalls. As far as the rhythm, the beat is square, obsessed with symmetry and, despite the icy echoes of a distant guitar, the cymbals hammer a cadence which is neither brutal or lazy -- that's where the uneasiness resides. This mated rhythm sends the listener on an opioid-fueled trip back to the heyday of indie rock. "Uida", the eight-minute opening track, seems to delay the explosion; It evolves, meandering slowly around an obsessive looped pattern which is only a few seconds long. The trio seems to enjoy teasing the listener with a game of catch-and-fall, which creates the sensation of taking off and flying. This feeling of departure feels rather uncomfortable at first, but with multiple listens, the childlike melodies intertwine with one another giving the opus a certain cohesion. Haji and Natsue's voices mix perfectly, whispering an elusive fantasy into the listener's ears, which only makes sense if nobody understands it. You might expect an explosion, the bouquet with the petals flying, but that's not counting on the trio's mischievousness and awareness that one has to carefully manage the blooming in order to savor all its glory. Kawabata Makoto has perfectly measured the balance provided by the majestic, yet cunning trio, which knows how to leave the necessary space between two notes so they can fully exist, before bursting into the fury of "Hets". squimaoto: Hagi (g.vo), Natsue (g.vo), Akemi (dr). "Their music is so unique, humble like typical old-fashioned Japanese women, but also strong like typical recently Japanese women... " - Makoto Kawabata
LP $16

MANKUNKU QUARTET - Yakhal' Inkomo (Jazzman 093; UK) This was originally released in 1968. Saxophonist Winston 'Mankunku' Ngozi's 1968 masterpiece Yakhal' Inkomo stands in the front rank of global jazz recordings. A certified jazz classic in South Africa, it has sold hundreds of thousands of copies and has never been out of print. But like so many other crucial South African jazz LPs, it was never released outside the country, and went unheard at the time by the wider world. This reissue is the first time that this truly essential jazz recording has been properly available outside South Africa. Mankunku's masterwork is one of those rare recordings whose audience saw at once that it embodied the spirit of the age. The title, Yakhal' Inkomo, refers to the bellow made by a bull just before it is sacrificed, and the mourning cries of its fellow cattle as they see it struck down. For South African listeners, the reference was understood as a cry against the violence and brutality of the times, and an act of mourning for all those who were suffering under the barbarity of apartheid. Mankunku's horn spoke eloquently and profoundly for and to an oppressed people, and like Coltrane's A Love Supreme (1965), the album became the musical touchstone for a generation. From today's historical vantage point, Yakhal' Inkomo appears as not just an indispensable lost element of the international jazz canon, but as one of the towering cultural documents of its time. This trail-blazing release allows Mankunku's classic work to gain its deserved place on the international stage. This release marks the 25th release in Jazzman Records' celebrated Holy Grail Series. Fully licensed, and packaged with a new sleeve note by Francis Gooding and previously unpublished photographs from the Basil Breakey archive.
CD $15

Archival & Historic Recordings:

SPIRITUALIZED - F*cked Up Inside (Glass Redux 009; UK) Glass Redux present a reissue of Spiritualized's F*cked Up Inside, originally released in 1993. Fucked Up Inside consists of live recordings made by Spiritualized at the Crest Theatre in San Diego and the Hollywood Palladium in LA on the nights of November 19th and 21st in 1992, on the North American "Rollercoaster" tour with the The Jesus And Mary Chain and Curve. Released as a live album in 1993; the title is taken from a lyric on one of the songs featured on the album: "Medication". Originally only available via mail order, the Glass Redux CD marks the first commercially distributed release. Faithfully re-creating the original sleeve design, F*cked Up Inside is presented for the first time in a gatefold card wallet. Recorded live in California, November 1992. Produced by J. Spaceman.
CD $16

THE DARKSIDE - Complete Studio Masters (Acid Ray/Media Roscom Production 001; UK) Legendary indie space rockers Sterling Roswell and Pete Bassman of Spacemen 3 return as The Darkside after a 23 year hiatus with a five CD Complete Studio Masters box set of remasters, remixes, and demos. One of the projects to emerge from the groundbreaking efforts of the drone-rock pioneers, The Darkside led by Pete Bain (aka Pete Bassman), who on leaving Spacemen 3 prior returned to his hometown of Rugby, would be joined by fellow alumni and multi-instrumentalist Sterling Roswell. Signed soon after to Beggars Banquet due to the strength of their demos and live shows, The Darkside went on to unleash psychedelic gems including; "Waiting For The Angels", "Guitar Voodoo", "Mystic Morning", "All That Noise", and many more. Now, nearly 25 years on, Rosco and Pete have worked front line for both the re-mastering and artwork of this special release. Jonathan Levitt of Blurt Magazine, discusses the band's first release All That Noise (1990): "I can clearly remember back to 1990 when All That Noise was released and the first time I spun it on my Doctor Goth radio show. While simultaneously listening to the sinister opening bass notes of 'Guitar Voodoo' and staring at the cryptic album cover I was transfixed by a band that was thankfully outside of any contrived musical movement being pushed at the time, Madchester anyone? The album is propelled along a very clear trajectory giving a heavy nod to 60's psych along the way. Now some 27 years on, the album remains as it did upon my first listen, a psychedelic gem existing in its own space and time, filled with a sinister, brooding and beguiling set of tracks that continue to astonish." Discs 1 and 2 contain the critically acclaimed debut album All That Noise remastered, plus alternate versions, mixes, instrumentals, demos, bonus unreleased live tracks, and an interview recorded in 1990. Disc 3 contains the follow-up, the second critically acclaimed album Mellomania (1992), remastered in full. Disc 4 contains dub remixes and remastered Mayhem To Meditate EP (1992). Disc 5 contains the Bomp Records Lunar Surf EP (1992), remastered Jukebox At Munster's single (1992), the previously unreleased lost third album, and demos.
5 CD Set $48

UT - Ut & Confidential (Out Records 102; USA) "The Ut reissue campaign starts with their self-titled and Confidential EPs, remastered by Dominique Brethes at Wolf Studios and repackaged as a double 12-inch (both cut at 45rpm for maximum sound fidelity) and a CD. Ut is a radical rock group founded by Nina Canal, Jacqui Ham and Sally Young in NYC in Dec 1978. Originating in the downtown no wave scene and inheritors of the collision between rock, free jazz and the avant-garde, the band exploded the rigidity of conventional rock, constructing songs through collective improvisation, swapping instruments and rotating the role of singer / director. Migrating to London in 1981, Ut played with bands like The Fall and The Birthday Party and released music on their own label, Out Records, becoming a favorite of BBC's John Peel and recorded sessions for his show. Joining forces in 1987 with the label Blast First, they released the critically acclaimed In Gut's House in 1988 and made the NME Top 50 Albums that year. As The Washington Post exclaimed, 'With In Gut's House, Ut has scraped and droned one of the finest underground rock albums of the year... The tightly interwoven, firmly focused sound... is rich, spooky, urgent and quite unexpectedly beautiful.'"
CD $17 / 2 x 12” $26

THE ORB OVAL / CRISTIAN VOGEL / SUN ELECTRIC / THOMAS BRINKMANN / et al - Chronicles (20 Years of Sh*tkatapult)(Sh*tkatapult 166; Germany) Orbologists Dr. Alex Paterson and Thomas Fehlmann are in their lab putting together a massive sound worm by hand for the anniversary of Berlin's elite training ground, Shitkatapult. A comprehensive overview of works spanning 20 years of label history; As they often did, the Orb liked to operate right at the convolutions and interfaces between work and quote, between interpretation and punctuation. A fine, easy hour of music from the Orbital of Shitkatapult. Featuring (in mix order): Hamburger dub specialist Fenin opens the show with a darkly ambient hall "Adeto" from Mixes & Maxis, (STRIKE 117CD, 2010) and is immediately layered through with "What Is Paris?" by Bus and Dabrye from Eagles (STRIKE 146LP, 2014). Both tracks blend together like a cut-up for adults into a single track. Next is Phon.O, from his album Burn Down the Town (STRIKE 064LP, 2005) with "Verborg Nie Die 6" and wayward Finn Sami Koivikko with "Erisana" from Kut Pulatin Pt. 3 (STRIKE 028EP, 2002), delivering the most important building blocks of the minimal/tech house side of the label, coming from Cristian Vogel's "Telemorphosis" from the exiled UK artist's latest album, The Assistenz (STRIKE 160CD, 2016). Followed and once again interrupted by Cristian Vogel, from the songs and more section with The Sorry Entertainers's (Judith Juillerat, Khan of Finland, and T.Raumschmiere) "The Only Thing I Know" from Local Jet Set (STRIKE 129CD, 2011), Judith Juillerat's "Vol-au-Vent" from Soliloquy (STRIKE 067CD, 2005), Khan of Finland's "H&M Freedom" from Nicht Nur Sex (STRIKE 162CD/LP, 2017), Cristian Vogel's "Barefoot Agnete" from The Assistenz, T.Raumschmiere's "Nuclear Bedtime Stories", featuring Lilian Hak, from I Tank U (STRIKE 096CD, 2008). A gloomy lightness takes hold and seeps into the depths with Ulli Bomans and Marco Haas, aka Shrubbn!!, and the track "Drunen" from their latest album Europa (STRIKE 161CD/LP, 2016), and misfits like Frank Bretschneider's "Subharchorded Waves" from Komet (2008), Boxtype's "Spin" from Sparkflight (STRIKE 029EP, 2002), Oval's "Kasino" from OvalDNA (STRIKE 134CD, 2012), Sun Electric's "One Dub", Ricardo Villalobos remix and MM Studio counter cut, aka "Toninas" (STRIKE 085EP, 2008), culminating in Thomas Brinkmann's soul center house sache "Pig Peg" from General Eclectics (STRIKE 118CD, 2010). The Orb make for the exit with Apparat's "Not A Number" from Walls (STRIKE 084CD/LP, 2007), Tom Thiel's "Laissez Faire" (STRIKE 125CD, 2011), wrapping things up with the deeper Orb mix of Shrubbn!!'s "Echos" (STRIKE 130EP, 2012). Four different covers - find each of the covers and piece them together to reveal the "20" pictured here.
CD $15

NICK GARRIE - The Moon And The Village (Tapete 391; Germany) In the final year of his teens, Nick Garrie made an album that should be regarded as one of the great classic albums of the decade: The Nightmare Of J.B. Stanislas (1968). It's full of smart, romantic, melodious baroque-pop story telling songs with killer string and woodwind arrangements. After having disappeared for decades, copies of the album started to pop up for sale online at very high prices. In 2005, Stanislas was reissued. The word of mouth about how great it was soon spread and a new generation of Nick Garrie fans began to emerge. Musicians including Teenage Fanclub, Wilco, Camera Obscura, The Trembling Bells, Ladybug Transistor, and BMX Bandits were among those declaring themselves as fans. In 2009, Duglas T. Stewart was asked to help produce a new Nick Garrie album, 49 Arlington Gardens, and the world could hear that none of Nick's talents had diminished. Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub, who performed on the album, declared this during the sessions: "Nick's the real deal. He can really do it. Brilliant songs and what a voice." The Moon And The Village is the new album by Nick Garrie. It's a thing of great and rare beauty. It's still very much the same Nick Garrie who made that incredible 1969 debut and the 2009 album too, but this time, Nick Garrie is in a more reflective mood. The songs are as strong as ever, but they have a certain directness and fragility about them. The sonic settings created by Gary Olson and a supporting cast of players matches the tenderness of the story telling in Nick's songs. The arrangements are from the school of less-is-more. Nothing is screaming out for attention here, but instead every sound perfectly plays its part in bringing the stories in the songs to life. Nick sings about a lost diary and about losing one's way on the album's opener "Lois' Diary". This track, like others on the album, has a beautiful sadness about it. One of the album's most affecting tracks is its most stripped back, "Got You On My Mind". It's just Nick's voice and a harp. The intimacy and warmth of the album feels like the perfect antidote to the in-your-face and often ugly nature of modern life. This is a gentle album that soothes the soul and warms the heart.
CD $17

PANDIT PRAN NATH - The Raga Cycle, Palace Theatre, Paris 1972 Vol. 2 (Sri Moonshine Music 006; USA) "The raga cycle given by Pandit Pran Nath at the Palace Theater in Paris 1972 was the first time a Master Indian Classical Vocalist had presented three consecutive days of ragas sung at the appropriate times of day, giving the Western audience insight into the characteristics that inform the moods and atmospheres of evening, afternoon, and morning ragas. The recording here is from the Saturday, May 27, 1972 afternoon concert and features Raagini Bheempalasi and Raag Puriya Dhanaashree. This is the Maestro at the very summit of his creative and vocal powers. His inspiration merged with his excitement of being in Paris and added to the uniqueness of these performances. As he guided his ragas at an unhurried pace with a surety and command of the musical language, details emerge in the music so profound that new delights continue to surface. Pandit Pran Nath was born in 1918 in Lahore, India which was to become Pakistan. He was one of the foremost disciples of the legendary singer, Ustad Abdul Waheed Khan, Sahib of Kirana. Khan Sahib was known for his long extended renditions of ragas in the melodic Kirana style, often lasting hours. His knowledge of raga science was unparalleled, allowing him to unveil endless permutations and combinations of phrases. Pandit Pran Nath absorbed this knowledge of raga from his Guru, building on these majestic forms in a unique and inimitable way. Pran Nath's rich vocal quality and imaginative renditions of well-known ragas singled him out as one of the greatest masters in the history of Indian Classical Music. Pan Nath's music is ancient and modern, full of fresh flights of imagination. It is no wonder that his numerous performances in the West attracted devotees and students. Besides La Monte Young and Marian Zazeela, he instructed musicians of the American avant garde, including Jon Hassell, Lee Konitz, Allaudin Mathieu, Charlemagne Palsestine, Sufi Pir, Shabda Kahn and many others. His impact on contemporary music continues to grow." - Terry Riley
2 LP Set $30

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John Zorn / Tzadik CD Sale for the Gnostic Trio/Bill Frisell, Simulacrum/Matt Hollenberg and Jon Madof!

More than dozen great discs from the Tzadik label now on sale:

take 4 or more and get $1 of of each

Take 8 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 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

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Bruce Lee Gallanter’s Recommended Gig List for December of 2017:

THE STONE AT THE NEW SCHOOL—55 WEST 13TH STREET
JOHN ZORN IMPROV NIGHT—A STONE BENEFIT
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS DECEMBER 1–2 AT 830PM
John Zorn (sax) and many special guests

THE STONE RESIDENCIES - JON MADOF - NOV 28–DEC 3

12/2 Saturday
8:30 pm - Zion80 - Jon Madof, Yoshie Fruchter (guitars) Greg Wall (tenor sax) Frank London (trumpet) Jessica Lurie (bari sax, flute) Zach Mayer (bari sax) Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz (bass) Brian Marsella (keyboard) Marlon Sobol (percussion) Yuval Lion (drums)

12/3 Sunday
8:30 pm - Too Many Guitars
Jon Madof (guitar) Yoshie Fruchter (guitar) Ty Citerman (guitar)

MONDAY DECEMBER 4—ONE NIGHT ONLY
The Ayler Christmas Show
TWENTY DOLLARS—ONE SHOW ONLY SO COME EARLY!
Mars Williams (tenor sax) Joe McPee (tenor sax) Steve Swell (trombone) Nels Cline (guitar) Hilliard Greene (bass) Chris Corsano (drums)

THE STONE RESIDENCIES - NED ROTHENBERG - DEC 5–10

12/5 Tuesday
8:30 pm - Ned Rothenberg with MIVOS QUARTET - Ned Rothenberg (clarinet, sax) MIVOS QUARTET Olivia De Prato, Lauren Cauley (violins) Victor Lowrie (viola) Mariel Roberts (cello)

12/6 Wednesday
8:30 pm - Ned Rothenberg (clarinet, sax) Marc Ribot (guitar)

12/7 Thursday
8:30 pm - Ned Rothenberg Quartet - Ned Rothenberg (sax) Ray Anderson (trombone) Brad Jones (bass) Reggie Nicholson (drums)

THE STONE AT THE NEW SCHOOL—55 WEST 13TH STREET
PETER EVANS - FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHTS DECEMBER 8-9 AT 830PM
FRIDAY DECEMBER 8—Peter Evans Ensemble: Peter Evans (trumpets) Mazz Swift (violin, vocals) Sam Pluta (live electronics) Ron Stabinsky (piano, synths) Shayna Dunkelman (percussion, electronics) Levy Lorenzo (percussion)
SATURDAY DECEMBER 9—Being & Becoming: Peter Evans (trumpets) Joel Ross (vibraphone) Max Jaffe (drums, electronics)

12/8 Friday
8:30 pm - Ned Rothenberg and John Zorn—SOLOS AND DUOS
Ned Rothenberg, John Zorn (saxes) - Two unique mavericks of the saxophone—and friends for close to 40 years—get together for an evening of improvisation.

12/9 Saturday
8:30 pm - Ned Rothenberg “Quintet with Pairs” - Ned Rothenberg, Marty Ehrlich (saxes) Erik Friedlander, Tomeka Reid (cellos) Satoshi Takeishi (percussion)

12/10 Sunday
8:30 pm - Ned Rothenberg (clarinet, sax) Mark Feldman (violin) Sylvie Courvoisier (piano)

JOHN ZORN’S BAGATELLES DOUBLE BILL MONDAY DEC 11 AT 8PM
HARRIS EISENSTADT AND HOLLENBERG-MILLEVOI QUARTET
Two dynamic bands play music from Zorn’s Book of Bagatelles—$20b FOR THE DOUBLE BILL!
HARRIS EISENSTADT TRIO—Chris Dingman (vibes) Trevor Dunn (bass) Harris Eisenstadt (drums)
HOLLENBERG-MILLEVOI QUARTET Matt Hollenberg, Nick Millevoi (guitars) Johnny DeBlase (bass) Kenny Grohowski (drums)

12/11 Monday
8 pm - EISENSTADT TRIO and HOLLENBERG-MILLEVOI QUARTET play ZORN BAGATELLES
HARRIS EISENSTADT TRIO—Chris Dingman (vibes) Trevor Dunn (bass) Harris Eisenstadt (drums)
HOLLENBERG-MILLEVOI QUARTET Matt Hollenberg (guitar) Nick Millevoi (guitar) Johnny DeBlase (bass) Kenny Grohowski (drums)
SPECIAL NOTE! THIS SHOW BEGINS AT 8 PM—TWENTY DOLLARS FOR THE DOUBLE BILL!

All Sets start at 8:30pm Tickets: $20
There are no refreshments or merchandise at The Stone.
Only music. All ages are welcome.
Cash Only at the door. There is no phone.
There is no food or beverage served or allowed
just a serious listening environment.
The Stone is booked purely on a curatorial basis

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The CORNELIA STREET CAFE - 212-989-9319
29 Cornelia St in the heart of the West Greenwich Village, NYC

Friday Dec 01
8:35PM JULIEN LABRO & OLLI SOIKKELI QUARTET - Julien Labro, accordion; Olli Soikkeli, guitar; Edward Perez, bass; Nick Anderson, drums

Saturday Dec 02
8:35PM GILAD HEKSELMAN ZUPEROCTAVE - Gilad Hekselman, guitar; Kendrick Scott, drums

Sunday Dec 03
8:35PM DJANGO AT CORNELIA STREET, LUKE HENDON - Luke Hendon, guitar; Josh Kaye, guitar; Scott Tixier, violin; Tony Jarvis, bass clarinet; Ben Rubens, bass

Mon Dec 4th:
8:30PM AMRAM & CO - David Amram, piano, french horn, flutes, comps; Kevin Twigg, drums, glockenspiel; Rene Hart, bass; Elliot Peper, bongos

Tuesday Dec 05
8:00PM VOXECSTATIC: LAUREN LEE- CURIOUS BEINGS - Lauren Lee, voice, piano, compostion; Shelly Washington, baritone sax, flute; Brad Mulholland, alto sax, clarinet; Lauren Seay, bass, voice; Kevin Neyer, drums
9:30PM VOXECSTATIC: MATKOT: MEDITERRANEAN VOCAL JAZZ BAND - Dor Sagi, voice; Naama Gheber, voice; Arta Jekabsone, voice; Eliza Bake, voice; Mike Sheelar, piano; John Koozin, bass; Yonatan Oleiski, drums

Wed Dec 6th:
8:01PM THE OUT LOUDS - Tomas Fujiwara, drums; Ben​ ​Goldberg, clarinet; Mary​ ​Halvorson, guitar

Thursday Dec 07
8:00PM MATT HOLMAN’S OUTLANDS - Matt Holman, trumpet, comp.; Ben Monder, guitar; Matt Clohesy, bass; Mark Ferber, drums
9:30PM NICK BRUST QUINTET - Nick Brust, sax; Ben Eunson, guitar; Tuomo Uusitalo, piano; Josh Allen, bass; Jay Sawyer, drums

Friday Dec 08
8:35PM COLIN STRANAHAN’S PACEMAKER - Colin Stranahan, drums, comp.; Ben Monder, guitar; Eden Ladin, piano; Or Bareket, bass

Saturday Dec 09
8:35PM SCOTT LEE, CLONING AMERICANA - Scott Lee, bass, compositions; Billy Drewes, reeds, compositions; Gary Versace, piano; Jeff Hirshfield, drums

Sunday Dec 10
8:00PM ISRAELI JAZZ SPOTLIGHT: NOA FORT QUARTET - Noa Fort, voice; Dan Loomis, bass; Ronen Itzek, drums
9:30PM ISRAELI JAZZ SPOTLIGHT: IDAN MORIM QUINTET - Idan Morim, guitar; Adam O'Farill , trumpet; Micha Gilad, piano; Almog Sharvit, bass; Colin Stranahan, drums

*****
December at Shapeshifter:

Dec 1
9:30p - "Addicted to Love" and musicians are Sophie Dunér (voice) & Jeremy Harman (cello).

Dec 5 - 8p, 2 sets
Brooklyn College Conservatory Big Band
Arturo O'Farrill, Director
Alon Vavnai, guest composer and conductor
Sobina Chi, coordinator

Dec 6
7pm- Breaking the ICE
Subway Moon, ICE Jazz Band & Albert Marques Quintet

Forward Festival 2017
Thursday December 7th
8pm - Kid Millions and Sarah Bernstein
Sarah Bernstein - Violin, Voice, Processing
Kid Millions - Drums
9pm - Paul Flaherty, Gene Moore, Gene Janas, Federico Ughi
Morfina album release party
Paul Flaherty - Alto and Tenor Saxophones
Gene Moore - Guitar
Gene Janas - Bass
Federico Ughi - Drums
10pm - Andrew Lamb & Warren Smith
Andrew Lamb - Saxophones, Clarinet, Flute
Warren Smith - Drums, Percussion

Friday December 8th
8pm - Daniel Carter, Patrick Holmes, Matthew Putman, Hilliard Greene, Federico Ughi
Telepathic Alliances album release party
Daniel Carter - Winds
Patrick Holmes - Clarinet
Matthew Putman - Piano
Hilliard Greene - Bass
Federico Ughi - Drums
9pm - Donald Sturge Anthony McKenzie II
Silenced album release party
Donald Sturge Anthony McKenzie II - Drums
Micah Gaugh - Saxophone, Voice
Greg Lewis - Organ
plus guests
10pm - L’Rain
Taja Cheek - Voice, Guitar with her band

Dec 10
7p - Jared Saltiel - vocals, guitar
Dawn Cantwell - vocals
Katie Steinberg - vocals
Katie Rose Summerfield - vocals
Max Moston - violin
Emily Hope Price - cello
Yuval Semo - keyboard
Justin Goldner - bass, mandolin
Jake Robinson - drums

Shapeshifter is located at
18 Whitwell Place in Brooklyn, NY
R train to Union stop

******

I-Beam Presents:

Saturday, December 2nd 8:30 PM
Lena Bloch (tenor saxophone)
Russ Lossing (piano)
Cameron Brown (bass)
Billy Mintz (drums)

Saturday, December 9th 8:30 PM
Sperrazza / Drye / Roberts / Doxas
Brian Drye – Trombone
Vinnie Sperrazza – Drums
Hank Roberts – Cello
Chet Doxas – Sax

Thursday, December 14th 8:30 PM
Thomas Morgan solo Emi Makabe Quartet
8:30pm Thomas Morgan solo
Thomas Morgan (double bass, computer, compositions)
9:30pm Emi Makabe Quartet
Ches Smith (drums)
Thomas Morgan (double bass)
Vitor Gonçalves( Piano/Accordion)
Emi Makabe (voice/shamisen/compositions)
Thomas Morgan solo Emi Makabe Quartet

I-Beam is located at 168 7th Street in Brooklyn, NY 11215 - Directions: SUBWAY: Take the F or R trains to 4th Ave & 9th Street. Walk down 4th ave to 7th street. Make a left on 7th and walk past 3rd ave. We are located on the ground floor, the grey doors to the right of the stairs of #168.

*******
BILL LASWELL & LARAAJI - AMBIENT CHURCH

December 16th, 2017 at 8pm
Bushwick United Methodist Church
1139 Bushwick Ave., Brooklyn - 718-574-6610
TICKETS@ambient.church - $25 - discounts for members