MARTY EHRLICH — News On The Rail (2005) Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Critically acclaimed as both composer and player. Equally fluent on clarinet, saxophone, and flutes, Marty Ehrlich has been hailed as "one of the most formidable multi- instrumentalists since Eric Dolphy." With News On The Rail Ehrlich puts his sextet into motion with broadened musical expressions on eight new tracks. The music is cool, hot, emotional, creative, and personal and comes across as being played by a much larger ensemble than credited. "Enough Enough," the first song on the CD, is introduced by dynamic horn charts that announce the exemplary alto sax soloing and improvisations that Ehrlich plans to unleash. The chord changes, comping rhythms are fearless as is Ehrlich's technical acuity. On "Hear You Say," at the head, a palette of horn voices are underlined by the earthier groove orientation of Howard Johnson's tuba. Ehrlich's alto sax solo, James Zollar's trumpet talk and electronic textures from James Weidman's melodia makes this song one of the funkiest tunes on the set. "News On The Rail," opens with a bass solo by Greg Cohen. Ehrlich, who is playing clarinet continues on his eclectic approach with tuba and melodia comps under his free-wheeling riffs. This song is loaded with doses of unconventional sounds and unique instrumental pairings. "Seeker's Delight" features the energy, control and extraordinary musicality of this ensemble. The soloing is adept and entertaining. Again, Marty Ehrlich scores major points for originality, creative jazz voicings, and for music that urges you to get jazzed. Overall, News On The Rail is well worth the listen and features the perfect balance of masterful players. Paula Edelstein
Tracklist :
1.    Enough Enough    5:44
2.    Hear You Say    7:02
3.    Light In The Morning (Many Thousand Gone)    9:59
4.    News On The Rail    5:21
5.    Dance No. 2    5:58
6.    Erica    4:21
7.    Seeker's Delight    8:18
8.    Keeper Of The Flame (In Memory Of Sam Furnace)    7:10
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Clarinet – Marty Ehrlich
Double Bass – Greg Cohen
Drums – Allison Miller
Painting [Cover] – Susan Bee 
Piano, Melodica – James Weidman
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – James Zollar
Tuba, Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet – Howard Johnson 

KALLE KALIMA — High Noon (2016) FLAC (tracks), lossless

A summit meeting of three jazz cowboys: Kalle Kalima's exploration of Western and country music. Conceptually dense and stripped down to the essentials. Featuring Greg Cohen and Max Andrzejewski. ACT
Tracklist :
1    Santy Anno 4:42
 Traditional
2    Ghost Riders In The Sky 5:12
Written-By – Stan Jones
3    Ballad Of The Alamo 6:45
Written-By – Dimitri Tiomkin
4    Jääkärimarssi 5:48
Written-By – Jean Sibelius
5    Lännen Lokari 5:30
Written-By – Hiski Salomaa
6    High Noon 4:49
Written-By – Dimitri Tiomkin
7    El Paso 6:09
Written-By – Marty Robbins
8    Hallelujah 4:31
Written-By – Leonard Cohen
9    Little Joe The Wrangler 4:34
Written-By – Jack Thorp
10    Man Of Mystery 4:46
Written-By – Michael Carr
11    The High And The Mighty 4:06
Written-By – Dimitri Tiomkin
12    The Green Leaves Of Summer 2:30
Written-By – Dimitri Tiomkin
13    South Of The Border 5:58
Written-By – Jimmy Kennedy, Michael Carr
Credits:
Cover [Cover Art] – George Condo
Double Bass – Greg Cohen
Drums – Max Andrzejewski
Guitar – Kalle Kalima

LEE KONITZ - Some New Stuff (2000) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Lee Konitz is up to his old tricks on this engaging studio session made for the Japanese label DIW, coming up with intriguing melodies to familiar chord changes from various standards and additional compositions. Without a piano to restrain his musical adventures, the alto saxophonist is consistently inventive throughout the date, well assisted by bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Joey Baron. Sometimes the detective work is elementary, such as "A Noble Tune," which any jazz fan should recognize as being inspired by "Cherokee," while other tracks may prove to challenge the keenest ears. In any case, this incredible musician, who learned from the brilliant though difficult Lennie Tristano, continues to be one of the most distinctive sounding alto saxophonists in jazz. This CD was not widely distributed in North America and is evidently now out of print, so expect to pay a premium price if you can find it. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1     Lennie's Pennies 4:28
Lennie Tristano
2     Fifth Avenue 4:40
Lee Konitz
3     For Atilla 4:27
Lee Konitz
4     A Noble Tune 8:16
Lee Konitz
5     Tripletting 2:07
Lee Konitz
6     Folktune 3:39
Lee Konitz
7     Valeska 5:59
Lee Konitz
8     Sound-Lee 4:19
Lee Konitz
9     Rumblin' 3:11
Lee Konitz
10     Debussy 2:34
Lee Konitz
11     L.T. 6:43
Lee Konitz
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Written-By, Producer, Liner Notes – Lee Konitz
Bass – Greg Cohen
Drums – Joey Baron
Executive-Producer – John Zorn, Kazunori Sugiyama

ORNETTE COLEMAN — Sound Grammar (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Sound Grammar was recorded in Germany in front of a live audience in October of 2005 with his new quartet -- Greg Cohen (bass), Denardo Coleman (drums and percussion), Tony Falanga (bass), and Ornette (alto, violin, trumpet) -- it's the first "new" product from Coleman in ten years. That said, with the exception of "Song X," the last song on the program, the other five tunes are new, seemingly written just for this band. The use of two bassists here is not only a rhythmic consideration, but a sonorous one. Cohen picks his bass, while Falanga bows his. This heavy bottom and full middle, as it were, leave room for Denardo to interact with his father. While one can make somewhat logical comparisons to Coleman's At the "Golden Circle" in Stockholm recordings on Blue Note from four decades ago with Charles Moffett and David Izenzon, these are only logistical. This time out, Coleman's band is rooted deeply in modal blues -- check the slow yet intense "Sleep Talking." The intensity level is there but it's far from overwhelming, since this band plays together as one. Nothing is wasted, either in the heads of these pieces or in the solos. This band plays together literally as one, no matter what's happening. Listen to the interplay between the basses on "Turnaround," as Coleman finds his unique place in blowing the blues and melding harmolodically with his instantly identifiable lyric sound. As all these sounds blend together, they become, in their order to one another, grammar. And each member finds a unique place in the conversation in this ordered sonic universe.

The playfulness in "Matador" is infectious as the entire band walks through a sideways version of "Mexican Hat Dance" along with the sound of the crowd at a bullfight. As the work unfolds, it becomes clear that the struggle of species, blood, and passion is taking place in the ring of death and victory. The work ends back on the theme, with the crowd cheering (one assumes the matador won?). The rhythmic/melodic approach to improvising and timekeeping the bassists take is one of close listening, and carrying Coleman's harmolodic theory to its most beautiful and lyrical extreme. The place the blues inhabit in this working order is a special one, as Coleman is able to engage them at any time, pull them out, speak from them, and turn them inside out with his own linguistic and playfully melodic method of playing. This is no less so when he pulls out his trumpet, as he does on "Jordan," with the hardest-driving rhythmic setting of the disc. This also happens on "Call to Duty," where Coleman once again plays both instruments. The bassists push one another incessantly here -- and Cohen with this rhythmic attack can push any musician to his best performance -- while Denardo steps back and folds into the middle; he actually allows Ornette to slow time down somehow, no matter the pace. The deep blues are expressed in Falanga's solo in "Once Only," as he plays a doleful melodic line and moves off from it in bits and pieces. The violin comes out again in a ten-and-a-half-minute "Song X," which closes the concert. The playing is out and edgy, but never goes to the extremes it once did, in part due to Falanga's ability to create harmolodic counterpoint and pace Coleman's solo on the instrument into a great lyric context. Sound Grammar is one of those records that makes the listener realize just how much Ornette Coleman means to jazz, and how much he is missed as he releases something new only once a decade
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1    Intro 1'15
Ornette Coleman
2     Jordan 6'32
Ornette Coleman
3     Sleep Talking 8'55
Ornette Coleman
4     Turnaround 4'07
Ornette Coleman
5     Matador 5'57
Ornette Coleman
6     Waiting for You 6'50
Ornette Coleman
7     Call to Duty 5'34
Ornette Coleman
8     Once Only 9'41
Ornette Coleman
9    Song X 10'22
Ornette Coleman
Credits :    
Bass – Gregory Cohen, Tony Falanga
Drums, Percussion – Denardo Coleman
Saxophone, Violin, Trumpet, Arranged By – Ornette Coleman

JOHN ZORN — Astaroth : Book Of Angels Volume 1 (Jamie Saft Trio Plays Masada Book Two) (2005) Archival Series | Two Version | FLAC (image+.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 — Azazel : Book of Angels, Vol. 2 (Masada String Trio Plays Masada Book Two) (2005) Archival Series | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

The first new studio recording in almost ten years by one of the most exhilarating ensembles in the ever growing Masada family. Together since 1994, their breathtaking virtuosity, extraordinary passion and telepathic interplay has increased over the years and now their performances set a new standard for excitement, concentration and commitment. Performing thirteen new compositions from Zorn’s legendary Book of Angels, these three brilliant musicians, under the “baton” of the composer himself present a varied program of delicate lyricism, poignant ballads and driving blasts of energy. New music for the new millennium drawing upon classical, jazz and gypsy folk traditions through the postmodern lens of Radical Jewish Culture. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Tufiel    6:22
2    Mibi    1:53
3    Tabaet    6:46
4    Symnay    5:23
5    Mastema    6:39
6    Bethor    5:25
7    Uriel    4:37
8    Gurid    1:52
9    Gazziel    4:04
10    Azazel    5:26
11    Rssasiel    2:36
12    Garzanal    5:22
13    Abiel    3:47
Credits :
Bass – Greg Cohen
Cello – Erik Friedlander
Violin – Mark Feldman
Illustration – Jarrault
Composed, Producer, Conductor – John Zorn

JOHN ZORN - Lucifer : Book Of Angels Volume 10 (Bar Kokhba Plays Masada Book Two) (2008) Archival Series | Two Version | FLAC (image+.tracks+.cue), lossless

Lucifer is the first studio recording in over ten years by the most popular and best selling Masada ensemble ever. Here they play better and tighter than ever, blending Sephardic and Ashkenazi sonorities with latin, surf, world music and more in an inimitable easy listening instrumental style. Lyrical and soulful, this is some of the most exciting and enjoyable chamber music you are ever likely to hear.Lucifer is yet another brilliant release from Zorn’s Book of Angels—one of the most consistent and compelling collections on Tzadik. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1.    Sother    5:58
2.    Dalquiel    6:07
3.    Zazel    3:21
4.    Gediel    6:12
5.    Rahal    3:48
6.    Zechriel    7:53
7.    Azbugah    3:01
8.    Mehalalel    9:54
9.    Quelamia    4:58
10.    Abdiel    3:25
Credits :
Composed, Producer, Arranged, Conductor – John Zorn
Bass – Greg Cohen
Cello – Erik Friedlander
Drums – Joey Baron
Guitar – Marc Ribot
Percussion – Cyro Baptista
Violin – Mark Feldman
Illustration – Jarrault

JOHN ZORN — Stolas : Book Of Angels Volume 12 (Masada Quintet ft. Joe Lovano Plays Masada Book Two) (2009) Archival Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For this very special release in The Book of Angels series, Zorn has brought together five of the most acclaimed musicians in modern jazz to perform nine of his most distinctive and lyrical compositions. Truly a jazz supergroup, these five master musicians explore Zorn's beautiful and exotic tunes with profound melodic and harmonic knowledge and a depth of feeling that is a joy to hear. One of the most breathtaking CDs in the entire Masada series--a touch of the sublime from the beautiful new Masada Quintet! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1.    Haamiah    4:20
2.    Rikbiel    5:47
3.    Psisya    8:26
4.    Sartael    4:50
5.    Tashriel 4:03
6.    Rahtiel    7:56
7.    Tagriel    13:30
8.    Serakel    5:06
9.    Rigal    8:59
Credits :
Composed, Producer, Alto Saxophone (6) – John Zorn
Bass – Greg Cohen
Drums – Joey Baron
Piano – Uri Caine
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Lovano
Trumpet – Dave Douglas
Illustration – Jarrault

JOHN ZORN - Baal : Book Of Angels Volume 15 (Ben Goldberg Quartet) (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

A mind blowing and fiery new quartet featuring Ben Goldberg, one the true pioneers of Radical Jewish Culture whose groundbreaking group New Klezmer Trio proved an important influence on the Masada legacy. Turning his hand to Masada music in this fabulous all star quartet organized, arranged and conducted by Zorn himself, Ben plays like never before, displaying a sensitive virtuosity and a brilliant sense of sound and space. At times moody, intense, meditative, driving, lyrical and atmospheric, this is brilliant Jewish chamber music from four longtime and intimate members of the Masada family. Absolutely stunning! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Chachmiel    7:21
2    Asimor    4:27
3    Irin    4:32
4    Pharzuph    7:18
5    Lahash    2:52
6    Reqel    7:17
7    'ifafi    5:09
8    Uzza    3:10
9    Poteh    5:56
Credits :
Composed, Producer, Arranged – John Zorn
Bass – Greg Cohen
Clarinet – Ben Goldberg
Drums – Kenny Wollesen
Piano – Jamie Saft
Illustration – Jarrault

JOHN ZORN - Haborym : Book Of Angels Volume 16 (Masada String Trio) (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The magical interplay and incredible virtuosity of this exhilarating trio of string masters has made it one of the most beloved and acclaimed of all Masada ensembles. Back now by popular demand for their first studio recording in over five years, their telepathic interplay and endless creativity had never been stronger. Ten more tunes from the rich and inventive Book of Angels featuring moody ballads, hypnotic grooves, intense burners and of course the trademark lyricism of the Masada songbook performed by one of the most acclaimed contemporary ensembles in the world. A long awaited release—essential! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Turel    6:20
2    Tychagara    3:39
3    Carniel    4:42
4    Bat Qol    2:56
5    Gamrial    6:41
6    Elimiel    3:04
7    Techial    2:06
8    Umikol    2:31
9    Malkiel    4:24
10    Raamiel    6:25
11    Gergot    3:49
Credits :
Composed, Producer, Arranged, Conductor – John Zorn
Bass – Greg Cohen
Cello – Erik Friedlander
Violin – Mark Feldman
Illustration – Jarrault

JOHN ZORN | MASADA CHAMBER ENSEMBLES - Bar Kokhba (1996) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Masada has quickly become one of John Zorn's most popular and adventurous musical projects. These special arrangements for small ensembles of strings, keyboards and clarinets, shed new light on his book of inspiring compositions expanding the Jewish tradition. Bar Kokhba presents over two hours of dark, passionate and evocative Jewish music, featuring some of New York City's finest musicians.

This double-CD is the long-awaited first American release of Zorn's Masada material, featuring startling new chamber arrangements of music from the six Masada albums on Avant (Japan). TZADIK
Tracklist 1 :
1    Gevurah    6:55
2    Nezikin    1:51
3    Mahshav    4:33
4    Rokhev    3:10
5    Abidan    5:19
6    Sheloshim    5:03
7    Hath-Arob    2:25
8    Paran    4:48
9    Mahlah    7:48
10    Socoh    4:07
11    Yechida    8:24
12    Bikkurim    3:25
13    Idalah-Abal    5:05
Tracklist 2 :
1    Tannaim    4:39
2    Nefesh    3:33
3    Abidan    3:13
4    Mo'ed    4:59
5    Maskil    4:41
6    Mishpatim    6:46
7    Sansanah    6:56
8    Shear-Jashub    2:06
9    Mahshav    4:50
10    Sheloshim    6:45
11    Mochin    13:11
12    Karaim    3:39
Credits :
Greg Cohen - Bass
Anthony Coleman - Piano
Dave Douglas - Trumpet
Mark Dresser - Bass
Mark Feldman - Violin
Erik Friedlander - Cello
David Krakauer - Clarinet
John Medeski - Organ, Piano
Marc Ribot - Guitar
Chris Speed - Clarinet
Kenny Wollesen - Drums

JOHN ZORN - FilmWorks III : 1990-1995 (1997) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

From the fragmented cut-ups of Zorn's long-form compositions and the short intense blasts of Naked City's Torture Garden, Zorn forged a name for himself as a musical miniaturist. Filmworks III contains 25 cues commissioned by Portland's vanguard advertising agency Weidman & Kennedy for 15-to-60 second TV commercials directed by, among others, Godard, Cronenberg, Sven Nykquist, and Industrial Light & Magic.

This star-studded spectacular includes the first recordings by the band that would later become Masada, a bizarre Zorn/Ribot duo, and nine rediscovered demo tracks for Zorn's rara avis: the soundtrack to the Japanese cartoon Cynical Hysterie Hour.  TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Main Title    1:00
2    The Caper    0:57
3    Cadence    0:15
4    Kidnapping    2:15
5    Doubt    0:19
6    Nocturne 1    0:26
7    Nocturne 2    0:55
8    Bag Man    2:00
9    The Cop    0:27
10    Nocturne 3    0:55
11    Juke Box    2:45
12    End Titles    4:28
13    Music For Tsunta (Nine Cues) 3:31
Bass, Tuba – David Hofstra
Drums, Percussion – Bobby Previte
Guitar, Banjo – Bill Frisell
Turntables – Christian Marclay
14    Main Titles    1:36
15    Washing Machine A    0:26
16    Washing Machine B    0:39
17    Night Hotel    1:17
18    Japanese Tourists    1:54
19    Night Hotel 2    1:18
20    Objects    3:16
21    Night Hotel 3    1:00
22    Rooftop Death Rattle    0:59
23    Taiwan    3:48
24    End Titles    1:50
25    Holland 0:16
Bass – Kermit Driscoll
26    Canada    0:31
27    France 0:16
Bass – Bill Laswell
Guitar, Vocals – Arto Lindsay
28    Germany 0:33
Guitar – Arto Lindsay
29    Sweden 0:30
Flute – Keith Underwood
Harmonica – Miguel Frasconi
Viola – Jill Jaffee
30    USA 0:28
Bass – Bill Laswell
31    Canada 2    0:15
32    Sweden 2 0:15
Flute – Keith Underwood
Harmonica – Miguel Frasconi
Viola – Jill Jaffee
33    Italy 0:14
Accordion – Guy Klucevsek
34    Great Lobby    0:33
35    Wheelchair Races 0:42
Drums – Sim Cain
36    Logo    0:14
37    Secret Code    0:34
38    Secret Code 2    1:04
39    Don't Break    0:40
40    Don't Break 2    1:09
41    Footnotes    0:35
42    Footnotes 2    1:10
43    Retraction    0:41
44    Retraction 2    1:15
45    Protest    0:39
46    Protest 2    1:13
47    Launch    0:42
48    Launch 2    1:14
49    Elevator    0:40
50    Elevator 2    1:09
51    Fiance    0:39
52    Fiance 2    1:13
53    Around The World    1:06
54    Batman    0:32
55    Abstract Woman    0:35
56    Mystic Woman    0:39
Credits :    Bass – Chris Wood (pistas: 35, 37 to 52, 54 to 56), Greg Cohen (pistas: 1 to 12, 33)
Cello – Erik Friedlander (pistas: 37 to 56)
Drums – Joey Baron (pistas: 1 to 12, 33, 54 to 56)
Electronic Drums – Ikue Mori (pistas: 27, 28, 53)
Guitar – Marc Ribot (pistas: 14 to 25, 28, 35, 37 to 52, 54 to 56), Robert Quine (pistas: 11, 30, 34, 35, 37 to 56)
Harp – Carol Emmanuel (pistas: 13, 25, 26, 28, 31)
Keyboards – Anthony Coleman (pistas: 33, 34, 54 to 56), Peter Scherer (pistas: 13, 26, 31)
Keyboards, Sampler, Turntables – David Shea (pistas: 26, 30, 31, 35, 37 to 53)
Percussion, Vocals – Cyro Baptista (pistas: 13, 25, 26, 31, 34, 36 to 56)
Producer – John Zorn
Saxophone – John Zorn (pistas: 1 to 12, 14 to 24, 54 to 56)
Trumpet – Dave Douglas (pistas: 1 to 12)

JOHN ZORN - FilmWorks VI : 1996 (1996) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Three very different scores for three very different films all recorded in the first months of 1996. Happy-go-lucky surf rock grooves, modern classical improvisational madness and a dark electro-acoustic construct using the sounds of water, fire and wind recorded for an erotic film noir S/M fantasy.

Music from Dina Waxman's Anton, Mailman, Henry Hills' Mechanics Of The Brain, and Maria Beatty's The Black Glove. TZADIK
Anton, Mailman (1996)    
1    Opening Credits/Hawaiian Postcard    2:57
2    Work-A-Day World (Anton's Theme)    3:31
3    Seductress    4:18
4    End Titles    3:09
Mechanics Of The Brain (1996)    
5    Fireworks    1:52
6    Surgery Montage    1:47
7    Brain Scan    1:05
8    Witches' Cauldron    3:47
9    Houdini    3:12
10    Subliminal Perceptions    1:45
11    Measuring    1:34
12    Macbeth    3:05
13    Pendulum    2:05
14    Mechanics Of The Brain    1:58
The Black Glove (1996)    
15    Part One (Hot)    19:47
16    Part Two (Cool)    7:43
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – John Zorn (pistas: 1 to 4)
Bass – Greg Cohen (pistas: 1 to 4)
Cello – Erik Friedlander (pistas: 5 to 14)
Composed By [All Music Composed By], Arranged By [All Music Arranged By], Producer [Produced By] – John Zorn
Drum Machine [Drum Machines] – Ikue Mori (pistas: 5 to 14)
Effects [Sound Effects] – John Zorn (pistas: 5 to 14)
Guest [Special Guest], Voice – Jason Baker (pistas: 13)
Guitar – Marc Ribot (pistas: 1 to 4)
Guitar [Guitars] – Marc Ribot (pistas: 5 to 14)
Liner Notes [Notes By (English)] – John Zorn
Percussion – Cyro Baptista (pistas: 1 to 4)
Sound Designer [Sound Design] – John Zorn (pistas: 15, 16), John Zorn (pistas: 15, 16)
Violin – Mark Feldman (pistas: 5 to 14)

JOHN ZORN : The Circle Maker (1998) 2CD | Radical Jewish Culture – 22 Series | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On The Circle Maker, Zorn has again exquisitely arranged his popular and adventurous Masada project for string trio and chamber ensemble. The first disc of this outstanding 2CD set, Issachar, features the Masada String Trio: Mark Feldman (violin), Erik Friedlander (cello) and Greg Cohen (bass). The passionate and evocative performances of these three virtuoso musicians shed new light on Zorn's book of inspiring compositions expanding the Jewish tradition. Disc two, Zevulun, features the Bar Kokhba Sextet: Cohen, Feldman and Friedlander, joined by the gifted Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista, guitar wizard Marc Ribot and jazz great Joey Baron on drums. This delightful set is a joyous and extraordinary celebration of Jewish music,The Circle Maker and Bar Kokhba are destined to become two of the most important releases of the late 20th century. TZADIK
Issachar    
1    Masada String Trio–    Tahah    2:30
2    Masada String Trio–    Sippur    3:21
3    Masada String Trio–    Karet    1:21
4    Masada String Trio–    Hadasha    5:36
5    Masada String Trio–    Taharah    3:51
6    Masada String Trio–    Mispar    2:47
7    Masada String Trio–    Ratzah    4:36
8    Masada String Trio–    Zebdi    1:51
9    Masada String Trio–    Yatzah    8:14
10    Masada String Trio–    Malkhut    1:57
11    Masada String Trio–    Hodaah    3:49
12    Masada String Trio–    Elilah    3:21
13    Masada String Trio–    Meholalot    4:54
14    Masada String Trio–    Kochot    4:58
15    Masada String Trio–    Lachish    1:30
16    Masada String Trio–    Shidim    4:32
17    Masada String Trio–    Aravot    2:58
18    Masada String Trio–    Moshav    5:06
Zevulun    
1    Bar Kokhba Sextet–    Lilin    6:58
2    Bar Kokhba Sextet–    Hazor    4:45
3    Bar Kokhba Sextet–    Kisofim    7:23
4    Bar Kokhba Sextet–    Khebar    4:54
5    Bar Kokhba Sextet–    Laylah    2:57
6    Bar Kokhba Sextet–    Teli    4:14
7    Bar Kokhba Sextet–    Tevel    4:27
8    Bar Kokhba Sextet–    Eitan    2:02
9    Bar Kokhba Sextet–    Ner Tamid    2:38
10    Bar Kokhba Sextet–    Idalah-Abal    7:41
11    Bar Kokhba Sextet–    Gevurah    6:51
Credits:
Masada String Trio :
Erik Friedlander, Greg Cohen, Mark Feldman

Bar Kokhba Sextet :
Cyro Baptista, Erik Friedlander, Greg Cohen, Joey Baron, Marc Ribot, Mark Feldman

JOHN ZORN · MASADA — Masada Vol. 1 : Alef (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Apparently his early Spy Vs. Spy homage with Tim Berne wasn't enough to satiate John Zorn's Ornette Coleman jones. Masada, Vol. 1: Alef is the jumping-off point for his prolific quartet, clearly modeled on Coleman's groundbreaking acoustic unit, and it's the first sighting of trumpeter Dave Douglas, too. The rhythm section is equally crucial, with Greg Cohen ably tackling the thankless task of bass anchor and Joey Baron the unsung hero for maintaining the fierce, high-energy pulse dictated by Zorn's punk sensibilities. The frenetic "Jair" sets a very Coleman-ish tone before the more measured "Bith Aneth" finds Douglas showing his range with muted squawks, growls, and broad lower-register tones that almost sound like a trombone. Douglas has to be consistently agile to handle the demands of foil for Zorn because the Masada norm doesn't call for many solos with just the rhythm section. The second lead instrument is almost always playing countermelodies behind the principal soloist, which makes for densely packed music with lots and lots of notes. Luckily, Masada is a savvy crew, not just rip-and-run raiders, so those notes create an ample spectrum of moods and flavors. "Bith Aneth" works off kind of a mutant tango rhythm and Cohen throws in a nice change of pace with a midsong switch to old-fashioned, near-slap bass on "Tahah." If the intense "Tzofeh" finds Zorn and Douglas playing tag over Baron's backbeat drive, they can also weave meandering harmonies through the lovely melody to "Kanah." "Delin" whoops exuberantly, the mysterious "Idalah-Abal" is pervasively melancholy, and the nine-and-a-half-minute "Janohah" is straight-up jazz with walking bass and Baron riding his cymbals before taking over as the lead instrument during the closing section. Hardly anyone outside of Coleman's immediate family of musicians has taken the plunge to delve deeply into his way of making music, so Masada fills quite a void. Alef is full of thrilling, varied music and just may remind some people who are put off by John Zorn's constant stream of conceptual projects how good a musician he is in a straight-ahead jazz context. Don Snowden  
Tracklist :
1    Jair    4:54
2    Bith Aneth    6:25
3    Tzofeh    5:15
4    Ashnah    6:21
5    Tahah    5:41
6    Kanah    7:25
7    Delin    1:56
8    Janohah    9:40
9    Zebdi    2:48
10    Idalah-Abal    6:15
11    Zelah    3:48
Credits :
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Producer, Composed By – John Zorn
Bass – Greg Cohen
Drums – Joey Baron
Trumpet – Dave Douglas

JOHN ZORN · MASADA — Masada Vol. 2 : Beit (1994) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

John Zorn's absorption of klezmer motifs into avant-garde jazz is remarkable in itself, but even more extraordinary is Masada's utter command of the two genres' fiercely visceral energies. Fueled by Joey Baron's ferocious drumming and Zorn's savage, apocalyptic squeal, Beit is an archetype of focused intensity. (Anyone dying for truth in jazz needs only to hear "Peliyot" to be instantly transfixed and astounded.) Baron and Greg Cohen are among the most powerful and perceptive rhythm sections in any genre, and Dave Douglas, one of the most brilliant trumpeters of his generation, continues to lend immaculate support. Simply stated, this is one of jazz's greatest groups. Jim Smith
Tracklist :
1    Piram    7:08
2    Hadasha    10:05
3    Lachish    2:25
4    Rachab    4:47
5    Peliyot    4:32
6    Achshaph 2:44
7    Sansanah 7:09
8    Ravayah    3:19
9    Sahar    6:12
10    Tirzah    8:47
11    Shilhim    2:18
Credits :
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Producer, Composed By – John Zorn
Bass – Greg Cohen
Drums – Joey Baron
Trumpet – Dave Douglas