Search - Masada :: Live in Middleheim

Live in Middleheim
Masada
Live in Middleheim
Genres: Folk, International Music, Jazz, Pop, Classic Rock
 
  •  Track Listings (11) - Disc #1

Based on their numerous studio recordings, it was all too easy to earmark John Zorn's Masada as an Ornette Coleman-inspired recipe with a dash of Middle Eastern spice. But hearing this powerful live recording from the quar...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Masada
Title: Live in Middleheim
Members Wishing: 0
Total Copies: 0
Label: Tzadik
Original Release Date: 11/16/1999
Re-Release Date: 11/30/1999
Album Type: Live
Genres: Folk, International Music, Jazz, Pop, Classic Rock
Styles: Jewish & Yiddish, Avant Garde & Free Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Modern Postbebop, Bebop, Psychedelic Rock
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 702397732624

Synopsis

Amazon.com
Based on their numerous studio recordings, it was all too easy to earmark John Zorn's Masada as an Ornette Coleman-inspired recipe with a dash of Middle Eastern spice. But hearing this powerful live recording from the quartet's 1999 gig in the Netherlands, there's no denying the saxophonist is onto something. Here, Zorn, trumpeter Dave Douglas, drummer Joey Baron, and bassist Greg Cohen don't just use Masada's infectious melodies as launch pads for solos. Just the opposite--they fly from the start and somehow keep looking back to the original tunes along the way. Opening with "Nevuah," the quartet set a relentless pace; "Sippur" is Masada at it's most sly and soulful; and as "Ne'eman" slowly unfolds, the brass just gets wilder. On "Kedushah" and "Kochot," we finally get to hear Cohen, somehow keeping up with these gale force lungs. At times--thanks to Baron--they swing, but mostly this is a no-holds-barred assault of great, energized playing. Intense, solid, and one of the group's best efforts to date. --Jason Verlinde

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CD Reviews

Unreal! An absolute must buy!
11/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"The most inspiring live album by the most inspiring band in modern music! I believe that the musical telepathy displayed by these four virtuosos is unmatched. The fact that this CD is the document of a concert that has them playing together for the first time in almost six months is mind boggling and provides ample proof of their telepathic brilliance. This CD has them in their finest form, both as a group and as individuals. If you thought that Joey Baron was the world's greatest drummer, listen to 'Piram' and you will no longer think he is, you will know he is. 'Kedushah' is Greg Cohen's feature. He manages to somehow balance beauty and aggressiveness and what results is a perfect bass solo. Dave Douglas pulls off an understated beauty in 'Kochot' which displays some of very traits that make him one of the busiest and most sought after trumpet players in jazz. Composer and saxophonist John Zorn is possessed on 'Nevuah'. The magical tone of his alto is there in all it's glory and his trademark screams and quacks inspire the band to perform at a level of ferociousness and terror that most death metal bands can't match. A message for Mr.Zorn: Please, keep 'em coming! There will never be enough Masada releases."
Completely Wild
chugga | 04/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is one of the craziest albums I have heard in a long time. The wails, screams, and turbulance are enough to crack any sane human being. Of the live Masada albums, this ranks as the best. It has more energy than a morning cup of coffee infused with 4 shots of espresso. Don't listen to it in a tranquil mood. This is for the heavy hitters. This album will keep giving from the first listening. Basically, it's the most exciting thing in free jazz in a long time. Buy it; you won't be disappointed"
Amazing.
chugga | Iowa | 12/29/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've heard all three Masada live disc sets and this one is the best, and the shortest (this one is the only one that isn't a two-disc set). I know those terms don't generally go together, but two discs of live Masada is a lot to take in all at once. That said, this is unreal. The recording quality is every bit as good as any of their studio albums, and the playing... well, I don't want to ruin it for you. Recommended starting point for anyone interested in jazz in general, and no Zorn fan could live without this. Drummer Joey Baron is in exceptionally top form here, and even bassist Greg Cohen gets a shot in the limelight on several not-to-be-missed interludes. Dave Douglas is fabulous as usual and Zorn himself really pushes the limits of what people might call melody. All in all, it's West meets East-- and it's wonderful. Buy it before you die. You'll be glad you did."