Search - John Zorn :: Masada Guitars

Spare, passionate

Allan MacInnis | Vancouver | 01/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There's really not much that needs to be said about this album, is there? Music Zorn composed for Masada, interpreted here by Tim Sparks, Marc Ribot, and Bill Frisell. (NOT in trio format - each track features only one of the three, Frisell on seven cuts, Sparks on five, Ribot on nine -- all kinda mixed-up together, so that I haven't had a chance to figure out how I feel about each player individually; track 10 obviously jumps out as being a Bill Frisell performance, but it's the only one I've had that reaction to, really NOTICING the identity of the player -- I'm slow about such things). The Tzadik obi, or whatever those things are called when it's a non-Japanese release, talks about the music including "a nod to Fahey, Julian Bream, Segovia, Van Eps and others." That, really, is accurate to the point of making my blather redundant. Strangest thing to me is that Zorn seems to be crossing over into some sort of mainstream success with this disc; the local Virgin Records ordered 15 copies of it, when usually they MIGHT pick up one or two copies of a new Tzadik release -- many they ignore outright, tho'). And this IS very accessible, easily-listened to stuff; you could probably play it for your most unhip relatives, even people who own a Kenny G disc, and they'd like it. (People with no taste can sometimes appreciate beauty, too). My only misgiving, if slight: I guess I feel a smidgen weird about the two photos of Zorn, one on the obi-thing, the other in the booklet, which have him just-kinda bathed in divine illumination, looking a little too too "Great Artist"; I kinda dug those days when his photo simply didn't show up anywhere in his releases, and don't know why he's fronting it NOW (unless it's some move to actually get the light of celebrity shining on him, which just doesn't seem very Zorn-like, tho' wouldn't be a bad idea, in some ways... maybe he's just caught sufficient flak for the various pornographic/brutal images he's shared with us previously that he's tryin' another tack; maybe there's even IRONY in these images, I dunno). But to heck with me for sayin' such things; they make the CD no less beautiful an experience, to those who appreciate beauty; the music is passionate and sincere and exquisitely played, and the disc will be one you'll wanna spin frequently. It WOULD be weird if Zorn somehow became a mainstream pop icon, of some sort, tho', wouldn't it? But, like, there ain't much water in this here desert, so why not..."

Excellent!!!!!!

03/22/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Three great guitar players: Marc Ribot, Tim Sparks and Bill Frisell come together on one album to create beautiful guitar renditions of Masada songs. I've played this album for numerous people since I bought it and all who have heard it say it sounds "peaceful", "beautiful" or "relaxing", all of which I agree with. The song "Ravayah", played by Tim Sparks is one of the best guitar songs I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. Even though this disc is very pleasing to the ears, I would suggest that you start off with other Masada releases before you start here, that way you get a good feel of the band and their killer klezmer/jazz songs. Oh and if you get the chance to see them live....DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Sparks, Frisell, and Ribot play Jewish jazz on solo guitar

SPM | Eugene, Oregon | 06/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of those rare Zorn albums that satisfies everyone. It's melodic and calm enough to please the squares who listen to music that makes them feel *good.* It's also exotic enough to justify putting this in the avant-garde category. If you're the typical Zorn fan, there's just enough weirdness here to make this a must-have for your collection.And it's a must for fans of jazz guitar. These three guys play beautifully, adding creative flourishes without losing the basic structure of each song.Buy this one and you'll listen to it over and over. It might get a little boring after the fifth or sixth time, but you'll keep returning to it as the years go by."