“Presented in a lush CD book including dozens of Zorn’s original erotic drawings printed in gold ink on distinctive art paper, this is the definitive presentation of one of Zorn’s most poignant and lush creations—an all-vocal setting of the Bible’s sensual poetry “The Song of Solomon.”
Scored for five female voices plus male and female narrators, the ensemble here includes narration by classical superstar Barbara Hannigan and renown French actor/director Mathieu Amalric.
Featuring a newly...

''Originally commissioned by the world-renown Kronos Quartet,three of these pieces are recorded here for the first time. From the cartoon/montage qualities of the popular 'Cat O'Nine Tails' to the S/M poetry of 'The Dead Man,' the hermetic philosophy o...

“An epic suite of short pieces for solo piano inspired by the later sketches of the great English painter J.M.W. Turner. Subtitled Images and Impressions for Piano this expansive suite includes a variety of styles and forms including études, preludes, color studies, seascapes, moonscapes, nocturnes and impromptus. One of Zorn's longest compositions, this major new work for solo piano is brilliantly performed by Stephen Gosling, a long time Zorn specialist and one of the best new music pianists in the...

"There is No More Firmament is a remarkable collection of recent compositions from 2013–2016 that showcase the range, variety and continued creativity of Zorn as he enters his sixties. Connected together with a thread of intensity, magic and madness, the music tells a twisted and complex story of a magical descent into madness. The compositions include two works for brass ensembles, a woodwind quintet, jazz piano trio, string trio and two solo pieces for clarinet and trumpet, with the outrageous trumpet...

“On fire with creativity and burning so brightly that even an uncomprehending world does not deter him, Zorn remains defiant, focused solely on giving expression to the many muses and angels animating his life while harnessing the powers of the chthonic deities buried deep in his subterranean soul. Tractatus brings many of his lifelong interests together into a new musical universe drawing inspiration from philosophy, avant-garde cinema, drama and music.
Drawing inspiration from philosophy, avant...

As John Zorns most popular project reaches its tenth year, Tzadik celebrates the Masada songbook with a series of all-star tributes. Following Masada Guitars, Volume 2 is an eclectic and powerful collection of almost two dozen Masada classics artfully arranged by some of the downtown scenes most creative performers. Zorns catchiest and most lyrical tunes performed by rock bands, klezmer groups, vocalists, jazz ensembles."
With Rova, Zony Mash, Naftule's Dream, Kramer, Pachora, Medeski, Martin...

This exciting release initiates a new series of CDs documenting the best of John Zorn's infamous game pieces. Composed largely between 1977 and 1989, these pieces harness improvisers in complex compositional formats, combining the unpredictable edge of...

“Zorn and Laswell have been friends and musical compatriots since they first met in 1978, and have been responsible for some of the most intense and memorable music in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Recorded in early 2021, near the end of the year’s pandemic lockdown, it marks the first time Zorn had touched the saxophone in over fifteen months. Laswell had spent most of the year locked in his apartment. Something special was happening that day—and after the session Laswell felt rejuvenated—as...

"Drawing on his vast experience as viola player of the Arditti Quartet, Ensemble InterContemporain and his close collaboration with many of the today’s leading composers, Garth Knox has become a master of many styles. Presenting a completely new interpretation of the “Book of Angels”, the beautiful medieval-tinged arrangements produced by Garth Knox and his group capture the folk song quality of Zorn’s compositions with a lovely and intimate ensemble of strings and percussion. Playing viola and viola...

Petra Haden: Voice
Brian Marsella: Piano
Jorge Roeder: Bass
Ches Smith: Drums

“Petra Haden shines in Love Songs Live—an exciting concert version of the new musical from the songwriting team of John Zorn and Jesse Harris. Presented at National Sawdust in September 2023 as part of the Zorn@70 NYC concert series, the music is beautiful, lyrical, with heartwarming lyrics about a love lost and found.
Accompanied by the soulful trio of Brian Marsella, Jorge Roeder, and Ches..

Petra Haden: Vocals
Jesse Harris: Acoustic Guitar, Keys, Background Vocals
Kenny Wollesen: Drums
Julian Lage: Guitar
Jorge Roedor: Bass

“Singer Petra Haden excels in this beautiful and unique program of songs penned by the songwriting team of John Zorn and Jesse Harris.
Friends for many years, they began working together on The Song Project in 2012, and eight years later this CD presents the full fruits of their collaboration: thirteen Zorn compositions with...

"Fred Frith and John Zorn have a close working relationship that's has been fruitful since they first met in 1978. Close friends and cohorts, veterans of many ensembles and bands, they are two of the downtown scene’s founding fathers. Sharing a love...

''Every working band has magical nights -- nights when everything fits together and the music takes off into the stratosphere. The 'Masada Live' series documents these unforgettable concerts in venues around the world, bringing these rare special momen...

"Richard Foreman is one of the great geniuses of modern theatre, and his dynamic staging of John Zorn's opera Astronome was one of his greatest works. Premiering in February of 2009 at his Ontological-Hysteric Theatre in the East Village, it continued...

The pioneer creator of the rhythm unit, the master of the game piece and one of the most dynamic drummers in the downtown scene square off head to head in duo and trio improvisations. Two full sets of music are presented here, beginning with a brillian...