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Music for connoisseurs

Every listener of John Zorn periodically asks the question: where else does he go? How much more can he upgrade? Is there a limit? No, it turns out!

With great excitement and pleasure today, we share thoughts and emotions about his latest project - the revival of music from the Masada books - this time in a new version. Eight original compositions, once played by Zorn on saxophone, Dave Douglas on trumpet, Greg Cohen on bass and Joey Barron on drums, this time in the interpretation of the newest star formation New Masada Quartet, namely the same John Zorn in the company of Julian Lage on guitar, Kenny Wollesen on drums and Jorge Roeder on bass.

When in 2018 we were lucky enough to be in Sarajevo for the Masada book marathon, he started with this formation, then still called the Angels Quartet. We were amazed, struck, and forever in love with this new reading. Everyone who has attended at least one star concert knows what a gigantic energy and emotion all the musicians radiate and how they seem to transport you to the real, this other, purely spiritual world. Where matter has another dimension. Each time it becomes like a drug - the ear and senses get used to this crazy harmony, telepathy, hypersensitivity and perfect sound.

For the musicians themselves, after so many meetings with them, we can safely say that merging and community are also vital. It's always like that - no matter the shape.

But it was this quartet that opened the day dedicated to Masada's books that left us breathless and speechless.

Lage's guitar, which had taken Dave Douglas's trumpet, had its own voice, the incredible duets and races between it and Zorn's saxophone. This, in the company of Roeder's brilliant and unpredictable bass. We won't even talk about the drums of our beloved Kenny Wollesen. A man with thirty years of experience playing with Zorn. Telepathy is a weak word here.

Eight classic Masada pieces played in a completely different way. It's as if they're coming again for the first time. But with the comfort of what is already known.

Here's another interesting fact - Zorn's albums are not on streaming platforms. There are two options - either to order them from the website of his label Tzadik and wait for delivery, or to be lucky to be on his live and buy everything that is offered. Because he appreciates both his music and the people, he involves in these miracles that happen live. When we saw an inscription at our first encounter with this universe years ago that forbade photography and recording in any way, we were surprised. However, art is for sharing. But then we understood the mystery of these meetings. And we respect them because we believe in the mystery of what is happening. And that is indescribable. Therefore, every record of such a miracle remains somehow long-lasting, does not wear out and does not fade.

It is this amazing project that is finally coming out in a studio version to our indescribable joy and is guaranteed to become one of the most listened to albums. And this is John Zorn - New Masada Quartet (Tzadik 2021). We are waiting for the CD and we want everyone to immerse themselves in this better dimension - Zorn's music.

And while we wait, we put a link to the Tzadik label. Those who are more curious will find a recording of the live performance this March.

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