JOHN ZORN - Caym : Book Of Angels Volume 17 (Banquet Of The Spirits) (2011) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Banquet of the Spirits is the tight touring band of Cyro Baptista, one of the world's most creative percussionists and one of Zorn's oldest friends and closest collaborators. The veteran of dozens of Zorn film scores, game pieces, bands, tours and compositions. Produced and arranged by the upcoming young bassist Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz, who approaches the music with profound understanding, a wild imagination and indefatigable creativity, it features a dynamic band of young lions, truly the very best of the new generation. Each track tounching upon a different world tradition, this dynamic CD brings Zorn's lyrical compositions to life like never before. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Chamiel    4:27
2    Matafiel    4:22
3    Briel    4:19
4    Zaphaniah    3:53
5    Tzar Tak    3:45
6    Flaef    2:05
7    Hutriel    4:28
8    Yeqon    4:53
9    Yahel    2:26
10    Tahariel    4:47
11    Natiel    4:00
12    Phaleg    4:07
Credits :
Composed, Producer By – John Zorn
Arranged, Producer By – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Drums [Drum Set], Percussion, Xalam [Kamel Ngoni], Vocals – Tim Keiper
Oud, Bass, Guimbri, Vocals – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Percussion, Vocals, Producer – Cyro Baptista
Piano, Harpsichord, Organ [Pump Organ], Vocals – Brian Marsella
Illustration – Jarrault

JOHN ZORN - Abraxas : Book Of Angels Volume 19 (Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz) (2012) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz steps out on his own to make one of the most primal and tribal installments in the Book of Angels series. Drawing on his Sephardic roots, Shanir plays gimbri throughout, giving the music a primeval Moroccan edge. Featuring the intense guitar pyrotechnics of Eyal Maoz and Aram Bajakian (who recently has been tearing it up in Lou Reed’s new band) and the atavistic drumming of Kenny Grohowski, this is Ritualistic Jewish Rock for the 21st century by a brilliant young lion from the East Village via Brooklyn/Israel! TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Domos    3:59
2    Tse'an    4:10
3    Nachmiel    3:35
4    Yaasriel    5:22
5    Muriel    3:27
6    Maspiel    5:51
7    Aupiel    3:44
8    Nahuriel    4:57
9    Biztha    3:37
10    Zaphiel    5:22
Credits :
Composed, Producer By – John Zorn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Guimbri [Gimbri], Producer, Arranged By – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Guitar [Guitars] – Aram Bajakian, Eyal Maoz
Illustration – Louis Le Breton, M. Jarrault

JOHN ZORN - Adramelech : Book Of Angels Volume 22 (Zion80) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Zion80 is the brainchild of guitarist Jon Madof, a wildly popular project that seamlessly blends the Afro-pop stylings of the legendary Fela Kuti with the Jewish tradition. Featuring an exciting 11-piece all-star band, Madof masterfully blends horns, guitars, keyboards and percussion, mixing the polyrhythmic intensity of Afrobeat with the freewheeling madness of the Downtown scene. A one of a kind ascent into the unknown, Madof’s creative arrangements of 8 tunes from Zorn’s “Book of Angels”are spiritual and endlessly exciting. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Araziel    7:15
2    Sheviel    5:49
3    Metatron    9:06
4    Shamdan    7:17
5    Kenunit    10:37
6    Caila    4:22
7    Lelahiah    6:01
8    Nehinah    5:56
Credits :
Alto Saxophone [Alto Sax], Kaval, Clarinet – Matt Darriau
Baritone Saxophone [Bari Sax] – Zach Mayer
Baritone Saxophone [Bari Sax], Flute – Jessica Lurie
Bass – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Composed, Producer By – John Zorn
Conductor, Arranged By – Jon Madof
Drums – Yuval Lion
Guitar – Jon Madof, Yoshie Fruchter
Keyboards [Keyboard] – Brian Marsella
Percussion – Marlon Sobol
Percussion, Guest [Special Guest] – Mauro Refosco (pistas: 7)
Tenor Saxophone [Tenor Sax] – Greg Wall
Trumpet – Frank London

JOHN ZORN : Voices In The Wilderness (2003) 2CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

As John Zorn’s most popular project reaches its tenth year, Tzadik celebrates the Masada songbook with a series of all-star tributes. Following Masada Guitars, Volume 2 is an eclectic and powerful collection of almost two dozen Masada classics artfully arranged by some of the downtown scene’s most creative performers. Zorn’s catchiest and most lyrical tunes performed by rock bands, klezmer groups, vocalists, jazz. TZADIK
Tracklist 1 :
1    Pharaoh's Daughter–    Karaim 4'19
Bass – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Cello – Noah Heoffeld
Guitar – Ben Oir
Melodica, Recorder – Daphna Mor
Oud, Vocals – Basya Schechter
Percussion, Vocals, Producer – Daniel Freedman
Violin – Meg Okura
2    Ben Perowksy Trio–    Kisofim 6'45
Bass – Drew Gress
Drums, Arranged By – Ben Perowsky
Piano – Uri Caine
3    Cracow Klezmer Band–    Meholalot 4'57
Accordion, Arranged By – Jaroslaw Bester
Accordion, Clarinet, Percussion – Oleg Dyyak
Double Bass – Wojciech Front
Engineer – Jacek Mastykarz
Violin – Jaroslaw Tyrala
4    Rova Saxophone Quartet–    Lakom 4'07
Baritone Saxophone – Jon Raskin
Engineer – Myles Boisen
Sopranino Saxophone – Steve Adams
Soprano Saxophone – Bruce Ackley
Tenor Saxophone, Arranged By – Larry Ochs
5    Zony Mash–    Tekufah 6'23
Bass – Keith Lowe
Drums – Andy Roth
Electric Piano [Fender Rhodes] – Wayne Horvitz
Engineer – Mel Detmer
Engineer [Assistant] – Randall Dunn
Guitar – Timothy Young
6    Naftule's Dream–    Paran 5'10
Clarinet – Glenn Dickson
Drums – Eric Rosenthal
Guitar – Brandon Seabrook
Piano – Michael McLaughlin
Trumpet – Gary Bohan
Tuba – Jim Gray
7    Kramer–    Khebar 2'20
Voice, Arranged By, Instruments – Kramer
8    Satlah–    Nevalah 3'39
Bass – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Drums – Kevin Zubek
Soprano Saxophone, Arranged By – Daniel Zamir
9    Jewlia Eisenberg–    Abidan 3'53
Engineer – Dan Rathburn
Percussion – Wesley Anderson
Voice, Arranged By – Jewlia Eisenberg
10    Pachora–    Tirzah 5'06
Bass, Guitar – Skúli Sverrisson
Clarinet – Chris Speed
Drums, Percussion – Jim Black
Organ, Engineer – Jamie Saft
Tambura, Baglama [Saz], Guitar – Brad Shepik
11    Lemon Juice Quartet–    Peliyot 5'49
Bass – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Drums – Kevin Zubek
Engineer – Fabrice Dupont
Guitar – Eyal Maoz
Trumpet – Avishai E. Cohen
12    Steven Bernstein–    Shebuah 8'27
Clarinet – Doug Wieselman, Marty Erlich
Cornet, Arranged By – Steven Bernstein
Engineer – Sam Berkow, Steve Sockey
Shaker [Shakers] – Aaron Johnson
Vocals, Guitar – Doug Wamble
Tracklist 2 :
1    Medeski Martin & Wood–    Ziphim 7'16
Bass – Chris Wood
Engineer – David Baker, Michael Fossenkemper
Keyboards – John Medeski
Percussion – Billy Martin
2    Rashanim–    Avodah 5'32
Bass – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Drums, Percussion – Mathias Künzli
Guitar – Jon Madof
3    Davka–    Rokhev 3'16
Bassoon – Paul Hanson
Cajón – Kevin Mummey
Cello – Moses Sedler
Engineer – Andre Moran
Violin – Daniel Hoffman
4    Tin Hat Trio–    Tannaim 3'29
Accordion, Bass Harmonica – Rob Burger
Guitar, Dobro, Banjo, Percussion – Mark Orton
Violin, Viola – Carla Kihlstedt
5    Peter Apfelbaum–    Acharei Mot 7'32
Bass – Patrice
Drums – Dafnis Prieto
Engineer – Aaron Johnston
Guitar – David Phelps
Organ – Hiawatha Lockport
Organ, Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, Arranged By – Peter Apfelbaum
Violin – Charles Burnham
6    Mephista–    Malkut 3'30
Computer [Laptop] – Ikue Mori
Drums – Susie Ibarra
Engineer – Jim Staley
Piano – Sylvie Courvoisier
7    Mike Patton–    Kochot 3'47
Percussion – William Winant
Voice, Instruments, Arranged By – Mike Patton
8    Ben Goldberg Trio–    Jair 5'22
Bass – Devin Hoff
Clarinet, Arranged By – Ben Goldberg
Drums – Ches Smith
9    The Wollesens–    Ne'eman 6'54
Alto Saxophone – Dave Binney
Bass – Jesse Murphy
Drums – Kenny Wollesen
Guitar – Steve Cardenas, Tony Scherr
Organ – Brian Mitchell
10    Professionales–    Tahah 3'45
Bass – Brad Jones
Drums – Roberto Rodriguez
Piano – Anthony Coleman
11    Jenny Scheinman–    Tiferet 5'02
Bass – Todd Sickafoose
Drums – Scott Amendola
Engineer – Jeff Cressman
Guitar – Nels Cline
Violin, Arranged By – Jenny Scheinman
12    Jamie & Vanessa Saft–    Kedem 7'29
Keyboards, Bass, Guitar, Programmed By, Engineer, Arranged By – Jamie Saft
Vocals – Vanessa Saft
Credits :
Composed, Producer – John Zorn
Painting [Cover Painting (Morocco. 2000)] – Karen Liebowitz

JOHN ZORN - FilmWorks XV : Protocols Of Zion (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Working fast and loose with a small unit of close friends, Zorn has created a sensitive and intimate score for a dynamic new documentary film on a controversial subject: the rise of anti semitism after 9/11. Featuring hypnotic grooves and ominous moods, there is an unsettling feeling throughout this score that is in part due to the subject matter, but heightened by Zorn’s unique keyboard stylings. Here for the first time are extended improvisations, spontaneous compositions and thoughtful ramblings by one of the world’s maverick composers. In the tradition of “composers at the piano” recordings (Mingus, Bacharach, Ives), this CD is a fascinating peek into the inner ear of Zorn the composer. One can literally hear him thinking, developing ideas aloud, aided by the most supportive possible environment in the person of Cyro Baptista, Zorn’s longest musical associate—they have been working together consistently since 1981—and Shanir Blumenkranz, the young bass player from Satlah, Rashanim and Pharaoh’s Daughter. A must for any Zorn fan, this is one of Zorn’s most interesting, enjoyable and personal recordings. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Protocols Of Zion    4:27
2    Searching For A Past    5:21
3    Jew Watcher    2:44
4    Mystery Of The Jew    4:09
5    History Repeats Itself    2:14
6    Arab And Jew    5:59
7    Fighting Time    5:02
8    Hollywood / Rikers    2:37
9    Elders Of Zion    5:25
10    Dark Future    4:31
11    Transition 1    0:30
12    Transition 2    0:17
13    Transition 3    0:30
14    Transition 4    0:25
15    Coda - The Metaphysics Of Anti-Semitism    1:46
Credits :
Bass, Oud – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Percussion – Cyro Baptista
Producer, Electric Piano, Arranged By, Composed By – John Zorn

JOHN ZORN - Filmworks XVI : Workingman's Death (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Zorn’s latest soundtrack is scored for percussion and electronics, and features two masterful musicians who have been working with him consistently since 1981: Cyro Baptista and Ikue Mori. The subject of the film is quite remarkable—men who work life-threatening jobs—and as the settings jump from Java to China, Nigeria to the Ukraine, so does the music. Steaming sulphur mines, the bloodbaths of a brutal slaughterhouse…these are just a few of the scenes that are evoked in this unique score that blends dynamic rhythms with ambient soundscapes. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Gadani Slipway    9:02
2    Juju    6:15
3    Sulphur Mining    6:30
4    Horn Carrier    3:16
5    Atmosphere    2:14
6    The Miners    3:06
7    Steel Foundry    6:01
8    Work Trance    3:20
9    Ghost Ship    2:51
10    Dark Caves    3:18
11    Slaughterhouse    9:10
12    Guitar Juju    6:20
Credits :
Bass – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz (12)
Composed By, Arranged By, Organ, Gamelan, Producer By – John Zorn
Electric Piano, Guitar – Jamie Saft
Electronics – Ikue Mori
Percussion – Cyro Baptista

JOHN ZORN | RASHANIM - Masada Rock (2005) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

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. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Bahir 4:08
Guest [Special], Guitar – Marc Ribot

2    Makom    5:19
3    Zidon    4:39
4    Shadrakh 4:57
Guest [Special], Guitar – Marc Ribot
5    Chorek    4:58
6    Anakim    5:16
7    Zemanim    3:45
8    Ahavah    3:24
9    Arad    3:01
10    Terumah    8:27
Credits :
Producer, Composed By – John Zorn
Rashanim :
Drums, Percussion – Mathias Künzli
Electric Bass, Oud – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Guitar – Jon Madof
Painting [Cover Painting] – Karen Liebowitz

JOHN ZORN : Filmworks XVII : Notes On Marie Menken / Ray Bandar : A Life With Skulls (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Featuring two members of the exciting trio Rashanim with drum master Kenny Wollesen and Zorn himself on sax, this is a poignant and varied score for a new documentary about elusive film maverick Marie Menken who was a close friend of Andy Warhol, Kenneth Anger, Stan Brakhage, etc. and an important member of the first generation of American Experimental Filmmakers. Also included are five unique pieces of polyrhythmic polyphony for percussion and African thumb pianos, painting a picture of legendary West Coast skull collector Ray Bandar. Poignant exotica, moonlit moods, bizarre percussion and several tracks of manic intensity. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Menken    5:27
2    Skull I    4:03
3    Glimpses    6:37
4    Mood Mondrian    4:31
5    Skull II    3:30
6    Gogogo    8:13
7    Moonplay    4:42
8    Skull III    2:58
9    Tango Exotique    5:35
10    Zenscapes    1:07
11    Skull IV    1:40
12    Arabesque    5:09
13    Skull V    2:08
14    Bolex Dancing    1:37    
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – John Zorn (pistas: 6, 11)
Bass – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz (pistas: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14)
Drums – Kenny Wollesen (pistas: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14)
Electric Piano [Wurlitzer Piano] – John Zorn (pistas: 4)
Guitar – Jon Madof (pistas: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14)
Music By [All Music By], Composed By, Arranged By, Conductor [Conducted By], Producer [Produced By] – John Zorn
Percussion – Cyro Baptista (pistas: 2, 5, 8, 11, 13), Kenny Wollesen (pistas: 5)
Thumb Piano [African Thumb Pianos] – John Zorn (pistas: 2, 5, 8, 11, 13)

JOHN ZORN – Filmworks XVIII : The Treatment (2006) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

For Oren Rudavsky’s new romantic comedy, Zorn has put together a new quartet with a fresh new sound. Drawing upon the modern tango of Piazzolla with a touch of minimalism, this dynamic quartet of violin, accordion, vibes and bass is modern instrumental music at its creative best. At times upbeat and humorous, at times dark and moody, the music combines a soaring lyricism with interlocking counterpoint and complex rhythmic tapestries. Featuring guitar genius Marc Ribot in a supportive role on several tracks, this is one of Zorn’s finest scores. A remarkable listening experience from start to finish. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    The Treatment    3:34
2    Romance    5:09
3    Why Me?    3:56
4    Family 2:14
Guitar – Marc Ribot
5    Marking Time    4:52
6    Anxieties    4:59
7    Freud's Rondo    4:24
8    Totem And Taboo    6:53
9    Rush Hour    3:46
10    Bad Dreams    1:18
Guitar – Marc Ribot
11    Uncertainty    6:23
12    Happy Ending    2:44    
Credits :
Accordion – Rob Burger
Bass – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Composed By, Arranged By, Conductor [Conducted By], Producer [Produced By] – John Zorn
Vibraphone – Kenny Wollesen
Violin – Mark Feldman

JOHN ZORN : Psychomagia (2014) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

"Psychomagia" is the new album by the fabulous quartet of Abraxas, the acclaimed tribal rock arrangements for the Book of Angels series. Here they perform a complex new suite of music written expressly for them by Downtown alchemist John Zorn. Drawing inspiration from the magical writings of Giordano Bruno and Alejandro Jodorowski and others, Zorn has written a bold collection of compositions that challenge the musicians to the breaking point. With a program ranging from some of the most intense ritualistic sounds you are likely to hear to tender minimalistic odes, this is a surprising new volume in Zorn’s mystic series that matches the intensity and power of Moonchild, PainKiller and Naked City. Recorded at Orange Music and mixed by Bill Laswell. Essential. TZADIK
Tracklist :
1    Metapsychomagia    7:31
2    Sacred Emblems    3:02
3    Circe    6:03
4    Squaring The Circle    5:51
5    Celestial Mechanism    2:32
6    Evocation Of The Triumphant Beast    6:25
7    Four Rivers    3:54
8    The Nameless God    4:35
9    Anima Mundi    4:14
Credits :
Band – Abraxas
Bass – Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz
Composed By, Arranged By, Illustration [Ink Drawing], Producer – John Zorn
Drums – Kenny Grohowski
Guitar – Aram Bajakian, Eyal Maoz
Mixed By [Mix Translation] – Bill Laswell