Jazz Articles about John Zorn

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John Zorn: The Big Gundown

by Mark Corroto
October 1, 2000

Part Holy Grail, part Rosetta stone, John Zorn’s 1985 release The Big Gundown was for the many the portent of the Downtown scene’s birth. For this listener, it was my introduction to John Zorn and many Downtown artists that I have listened to these past fifteen years, including: Arto Lindsay, Wayne Horvitz, Bobby Previte, Tim Berne, Christain Marclay, and Vernon Reid.

As my old vinyl copy is safely stored away (I for one haven’t lobbied for the re-introduction of turntables), ...

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John Zorn: Masada Nine

by Jim Santella
April 1, 1998

John Zorn's new release, subtitled Tet, brings his ensemble Masada once again to the world of listeners who prefer Free Jazz, World Music, and creative improvised music under one roof. Masada includes alto saxophonist Zorn, trumpeter Dave Douglas, acoustic bassist Greg Cohen, and drummer Joey Baron. Each participates equally, and each has a lot to say: Zorn's expressive saxophone voice is light and dry with flexibility; Douglas is a master of the trumpet, combining wide interval leaps with a full, ...