Jazz Articles about Masada

Masada: Sanhedrin: Unreleased Studio Recordings 1994-1997

by John Kelman
May 24, 2005

When alto saxophonist/composer John Zorn brought trumpeter Dave Douglas, bassist Greg Cohen, and drummer Joey Baron together for a series of sessions dedicated to bringing the harmonic roots of traditional Jewish music into a new improvisational context, little did he know that his songbook, ultimately growing to include over two hundred compositions, would grow into what has proven to be his most enduring and endearing work.

The Masada songbook, and the original Masada quartet, would be the starting point for ...

Masada: Live at Tonic 1999

by John Kelman
October 23, 2004

Masada Live at Tonic 1999 Tzadik 2004

With the growth of saxophonist/composer/bandleader/producer John Zorn's Masada project into a veritable cottage industry that includes Masada Recital , Masada String Trio , Masada Guitars , Electric Masada and The Unknown Masada , it may be easy to forget how, ten years ago, his Masada Quartet, with trumpeter Dave Douglas, bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Joey Baron burst onto the scene with a series of ten rapidly-released ...

Masada: 50th Birthday Celebration Volume 7

by John Kelman
September 22, 2004

Sometimes not playing together on an ongoing basis can be a good thing. While there is no question that there are clear advantages to working regularly, distance can also yield unexpected benefits. Most jazz musicians who make any kind of living at their craft work in a variety of contexts, so there is always a certain amount of cross-pollination, as lessons learned in one setting inform all. And while long stretches of continuous playing create a comfort level and degree ...

Masada: Live In Sevilla 2000

by Mark Corroto
September 1, 2000

By my count, John Zorn's piano-less quartet Masada has amassed some 14 recordings. His concept for Masada, which began in 1993, was to write, write, and write some more. His book of over two hundred Masada songs are written as brief melodies of what he calls “Jewish Scales" for multiple groups. This concept has been recorded by chamber ensembles and electric bands, but this saxophone, trumpet, bass, and drums is by far the best forum for Zorn's music. Often compared ...