JOHN ZORN - Astaroth : Book Of Angels Volume 1 (Jamie Saft Trio) (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In the final months of 2004, John Zorn wrote over 300 new tunes for his popular Masada project, and he now initiates a new series of recordings featuring the best players out of the burgeoning Masada family in dynamic units performing compositions from Masada Book Two—The Book of Angels. This first volume features Jamie Saft in an acoustic piano trio reminiscent of the best in the genre. Bill Evans, Paul Bley, Herbie Hancock, Vince Guaraldi and even the Bagels and Bongos of Catskills pianist Irving Fields become touchstones for this remarkably interactive group that includes Greg Cohen (Masada, Ornette Coleman) on bass and Ben Perowsky (Uri Caine, John Scofield) on drums. Playing with the fire and passion one has come to expect from the Masada family, this soulful and imaginative trio sets new standards for versatility and excellence in the piano trio format. This group is pure magic and they have created one of the most exciting and enjoyable CDs in the Tzadik catalog. Absolutely breathtaking. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Shalmiel    5:26
2    Ygal    3:09
3    Astaroth    6:10
4    Ezeqeel    4:21
5    Ariel    6:28
6    Sturiel    5:05
7    Baal-Peor    7:10
8    Pursan    2:22
9    Lelahel    9:02
10    Beleth    5:59
Credits :
Piano – Jamie Saft
Bass – Greg Cohen
Drums – Ben Perowsky
Composed, Producer – John Zorn
Illustration – Jarrault

JOHN ZORN : Alhambra Love Songs (2009) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In an easy listening mode, Alhambra Love Songs is Zorn’s touching and lyrical ode to the San Francisco/Bay Area and the wonderful artists who have made it their home. Including tributes to artists as diverse as Vince Guaraldi, Clint Eastwood, David Lynch, Mike Patton and Harry Smith, the music is some of the most beautiful and soothing Zorn has ever written. Touching on the jazz/pop/funk trios of Vince Guaraldi and Ramsey Lewis, the music is scored for a remarkable piano trio of Rob Burger (Rufus Wainwright, Marianne Faithfull, Laurie Anderson), Greg Cohen (Ornette Coleman, Masada, Burt Bacharach) and Ben Perowsky (Uri Caine, Steve Bernstein, John Lurie). Evocative and endlessly listenable, this is perhaps the single most charming cd in Zorn’s entire catalog, and will appeal to fans of Vince Guaraldi, Ahmad Jamal, Henry Mancini and even George Winston! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Mountain View (For Vince Guaraldi)    5:08
2    Novato (For Mike Patton)    3:49
3    Pacifica (For Harry Smith)    5:16
4    Benicia (For Paul Canales)    4:16
5    Half Moon Bay (For Lyn Hejinian)    4:39
6    Moraga (For Clint Eastwood)    3:50
7    Tamalpais (For Elissa Guest)    4:07
8    Larkspur (For Willie Winant)    3:39
9    Alhambra Blues (For Mo Siegel)    4:23
10    Miramar (For Terry Riley)    1:23
11    Tiburon (For David Lynch)    5:28
Credits :
Bass – Greg Cohen
Composed By, Arranged By, Producer – John Zorn
Drums – Ben Perowsky
Piano – Rob Burger

JOHN ZORN : In Search Of The Miraculous (2010) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Inspired by esoteric spiritual practices, white magic, ritual, traditional myths and ancient legends, Zorn brings together a life long interest in mysticism with powerful lyricism to fashion this dynamic and evocative series of Odes for the New Millennium. Featuring the landmark extended composition The Magus, one of Zorn's most exciting new works, the music takes on a scintillating new edge—dramatic, hypnotic and mysterious. Performed by the remarkable Alhambra Trio enhanced by special guests Kenny Wollesen on vibraphone, Carol Emanuel on harp and Shanir Blumenkranz on Fender bass, In Search of the Miraculous is a deeply moving listening experience—ecstatic music for young and old that touches on the sublime! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Prelude: From A Great Temple    4:15
2    Sacred Dance (Invocation)    4:47
3    The Book Of Shadows    5:14
4    Affirmation    5:05
5    The Magus    9:08
6    Hymn For A New Millennium    5:31
7    Journey Of The Magicians    4:03
8    Mythic Etude    7:27
9    Postlude: Prayers And Enchantment    5:58
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Greg Cohen
Composed By, Arranged By, Conductor, Producer – John Zorn
Drums – Ben Perowsky
Electric Bass – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Painting – J.M.W. Turner
Piano, Organ – Rob Burger
Vibraphone – Kenny Wollesen
 

JOHN ZORN : The Goddess - Music For The Ancient Of Days (2010) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Continuing in the mystical tradition of In Search of the Miraculous, The Goddess is a stunning collection of Odes in celebration of Women in Myth, Magick and Ritual throughout the Ages. Expanding the ever-growing Alhambra ensemble with the searing guitar of Marc Ribot and the evocative harp of Carol Emanuel, the music takes on a lush orchestral sound and more than a touch of the feminine. Blending an hypnotic minimalist propulsion with the complex cinematic sweep of Zorn's fast changing extended file card compositions, the music develops from moment to moment in ways both surprising and inevitable. Breathtaking and hauntingly beautiful, The Goddess is a lyrical treat for your ears! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Enchantress    7:44
2    Ishtar    5:36
3    Heptameron    5:18
4    White Magick    6:37
5    Drawing Down The Moon    5:49
6    Beyond The Infinite    11:51
7    Ode To Delphi    4:44
Credits :
Artwork – Akino Kondoh
Bass – Trevor Dunn
Composed By, Arranged By, Conductor, Producer – John Zorn
Drums – Ben Perowsky
Guitar – Marc Ribot
Harp – Carol Emanuel
Piano – Rob Burger
Vibraphone – Kenny Wollesen