John Zorn: Magister Artium Gandensis 2011
Sean MurphyI've written a great deal about John Zorn (in some detail here and here, and his name is appropriately dropped and checked in the course of discussions of other jazz musicians,…
In Defense of Good Sax, Part Five: The (Ongoing) Evolution of a Masterpiece
1959 was a watershed year for jazz music (arguably the greatest single year for jazz in all history–which is saying a lot). Here’s a taste: Miles Davis Kind of Blue,…
In Defense of Good Sax, Part Three (The Joy of Saxless Jazz)
Starring John Zorn and Marc Ribot. So what happens when one of the most prolific and staggeringly gifted sax players (and composers) of our era, John Zorn, conducts his music…
Pitom’s Unique, and Uniquely Awesome, Sound
I was unprepared for Pitom. As a result, my initial experience with the band’s debut album in 2008 was one of those exceedingly rare occasions when one’s astonishment is both…
The Shape of Jazz That Came…
1959 was a watershed year for jazz music (arguably the greatest single year for jazz in all history–which is saying a lot). Here’s a taste: Miles Davis Kind of Blue,…
August Left Our World A Poorer Place x2
You don't have to be a jazz fan to appreciate that picture. But it helps. Most people have never heard of Joe Maneri, so not too many folks are mourning…
“Radical Jewish Culture”, Redux
After my ardent endorsement of Rashanim (the great trio who have just released what may well be the best album of the year),…
Rashanim: Healing Music for Unrighteous Times
Guess what? Rashanim has recently released what will undoubtedly stand as one of the…
John Zorn: Rebel With A Cause
I've not had much to say, in print, to this point about John Zorn for a variety of reasons, but it ultimately boils down to two very simple issues. First,…
Invitation To A Suicide
Invitation To A Suicide (DVD Review from PopMatters.com) http://www.popmatters.com/pm/film/reviews/6136/invitation-to-a-suicide-2004/ Invitation to a Suicide Director: Loren Marsh by Sean G. Murphy Taking the Concept of “Pay-per-view” to New and Unusual Places…