BFT #157--The Reveal

[Mary6170]

I am sorry if I am posting this earlier than is usual. I have a situation with my extended family which means that I will have to fly out tonight, and may not be near a desktop computer for an unknown number of days. As I have saved the Reveal information on my desktop computer, I want to be sure that it gets posted before May 1. So I have to post it today. Otherwise it could be until May 5 or later when I could easily post it again.

This Blindfold Test has the theme that all of the music was recorded and released in 2005 or later.

Also, you will see that there is another theme. One artist composed all the music, but this artist plays on none of the music. He does not appear as a performer on a single track. He also did not arrange or produce several of the albums.

1.  

   

    

   Nova Express Quintet—“Yofiel,” from Andras: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 28 (2016)

    

   Composed by John Zorn. Arranged and produced by John Zorn.

    

   Kenny Wollesen-Vibraphone

   John Medeski—Piano

   Trevor Dunn—Bass

   Joey Baron—Drums

   Cyro Baptista—Congas, Percussion.

    

2.  

 

Masada Quintet Featuring Joe Lovano—“Serakel,” from Stolas: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 12 (2009)

Composed by John Zorn. Produced by John Zorn.

 

Joe Lovano—Tenor Saxophone

Dave Douglas—Trumpet

Uri Caine—Piano

Greg Cohen—Bass

Joey Baron—Drums

 

3.

 

Spike Orchestra—“Gehegial,” from Cerberus: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 26 (2015)

 

Composed by John Zorn. Arranged by Sam Eastmond and Nikki Franklin.

Produced by Ben Greenslade-Stanton

 

Sam Eastmond—Trumpet (soloist)

George Hogg, Karen Straw, Noel Langley—Trumpets

Ben Greenslade-Stanton, Ashley Slater—Trombones

Dave Powell—Tuba

Mike Wilkins—Alto Saxophone, Clarinet

Vasilis Xenopoulos—Alto Saxophone, Flute

Paul Booth—Tenor Saxophone. Clarinet

Stewart Curtis—Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet

Erica Clarke—Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet

Mike Guy—Accordian

Moss Freed—Guitar

Sam Leak—Piano, Keyboards

Otto Wilberg—Bass

Chris Nickolls—Drums

 

4

 

 

Jamie Saft Trio—“Aziel,” from Astaroth: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 1 (2005)

 

Composed by John Zorn. Arranged by Jamie Saft. Produced by John Zorn.

 

Jamie Saft—Piano

Greg Cohen—Bass

Ben Perowsky—Drums

 

5.

  

 

 

Ben Goldberg Quartet—“Chachmiel,” from Baal: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 15 (2010)

 

Composed by John Zorn. Arranged by John Zorn. Produced by John Zorn.

 

Ben Goldberg—Clarinet

Jamie Saft—Piano

Greg Cohen—Bass

Kenny Wollesen—Drums

 

6.

   

 

The Dreamers—“Oriel,” from Ipos: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 14 (2010)

 

Composed by John Zorn. Arranged by John Zorn. Produced by John Zorn.

 

Jamie Saft—Keyboards

Marc Ribot—Guitar

Kenny Wollesen—Vibraphone

Trevor Dunn—Bass

Joey Baron—Drums

Cyro Baptista—Percussion

 

7.

 

 

 

Roberto Rodriguez—“Ophaniel,” from Aguares: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 23 (2014)

 

Composed by John Zorn. Arranged by Roberto Rodriguez. Produced by Roberto Rodriguez.

 

Jonathan Keren—Viola, Violin

Salit Lahav—Accordian

Gilad Harel—Clarinet

Yaron Ouzana--Trombone

Itay Abramovitz—Piano

Omri Mor—Piano

Assaf Hakimi—Bass

Roberto Rodriguez—Drums, Percussion

Cheri “Pepe” Meir—Congas, Chekere

Amit Sharon—Frame Drum, Dohola, Doumbek, Darbuka

 

8.

 

 

 

Craig Taborn—“Machnia,” from Flaga: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 27 (2016)

Composed by John Zorn.

Arranged by Tyshawn Sorey, Craig Taborn, Christian McBride, and John Zorn. Produced by John Zorn.

 

Craig Taborn—Piano

Christian McBride—Bass

Tyshawn Sorey—Drums.

 

9.

 

 

Masada String Trio—“Bethor,” from Azazel: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 2 (2005)

 

Composed by John Zorn.  Conducted by John Zorn. Produced by John Zorn.

 

Mark Feldman—Violin

Erik Friedlander---Cello

Greg Cohen—Bass

 

10.

 

   

 

 

Banquet of the Spirits—“Briel,” from Caym: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 17 (2011)

 

Composed by John Zorn. Arranged by Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz. Produced by Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz.

 

Cyro Baptista—Percussion, Vocals

Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz—Oud, Bass, Guimbri, Vocals

Brian Marsella—Piano, Harpsichord, Pump Organ, Vocals

Tim Keiper—Drums, Percussion, Kamel Ngoni, Vocals

 

 

11.

 

 

 

Zion 80—“Kenunit,” from Adramelech: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 22 (2014)

 

Composed by John Zorn. Arranged by Jon Madof. Conducted by Jon Madof. Produced by Jon Madof.

 

Frank London—Trumpet

Matt Darriau—Alto Saxophone, Kaval, Clarinet

Greg Wall—Tenor Saxophone

Zach Mayer—Baritone Saxophone

Jessica Lurie—Baritone Saxophone, Flute

Jon Madof—Guitar

Yoshie Fruchter—Guitar

Brad Marsella--Keyboards

Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz—Bass

Yuval Lion—Drums

Marlon Sobol—Percussion

 

12.

 

 

 

Secret Chiefs 3—“Akramachamarei,” from Xaphan: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 9 (2008)

 

Composed by John Zorn. Arranged by Trey Spruance. Produced by Trey Spruance.

 

Trey Spruance—Baritone Guitar, Electric Guitar, Autoharp, Piano, Organ, Synthesizer, Bass, Percussion

Jason Schimmel--Guitar

Adam Stacey—Clavinet

Rich Doucette—Sarangi

Monica Schley--Harp

Timb Harris—Violin, Trumpet

Anonymous 13—Viola, Voice

Tim Smolens—Cello, Bass

Shahzad Ismaily—Bass

Ches Smith—Drums, Congas

 

13.

 

 

 

Eyvind Kang—“Variel,” from Alastor: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 21 (2014)

 

Composed by John Zorn. Arranged by Eyvind Kang. Produced by Eyvind Kang, Randall Dunn.

 

Cuong Vu—Trumpet

Eyvind Kang—Piano, Electric Bass, Guitar, Janggu, Kacapi, Kamanchen, Korg Synthesizer, Moog Synthesizer, Oud, Percussion, Setar, Sitar, Viola, Violin, Voice

Randall Dunn—Moog Synthesizer, Voice

Hans Teuber—Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute

Skerik—Tenor Saxophone

Emma Ashbrook—Bassoon

Taina Karr-English Horn, Oboe

Josiah Boothby— French Horn

JungAh Song-Gayageum

Soyeon Park—Geomungo

Maria Scherer Wilson—Cello

William Smith--Cello

Jacob Yackshaw—Bass

Moriah Neils—Bass

Shahzad Ismaily—Bass

Dave Abramson—Drums, Percussion

Tor Dietrichson—Bongos, Congas, Clave, Guiro, Tabla, Triangle

Hidayat Honari—Tar

Hyeonhee Park—Janggu, Kkwaenggwari

Jessika Kenney—Voice

Maya Dunietz—Voice

 

14.

 

 

Medeski Martin & Wood—“Asaliah,” from Zaebos: John Zorn’s Book of Angels, Volume 11 (2008)

 

Composed by John Zorn. Arranged by Medeski Martin & Wood. Produced by

Medeski Martin & Wood.

 

John Medeski—Keyboards

Chris Wood—Bass

Billy Martin--Drums

Edited April 27, 2017 by Mary6170

[Hot Ptah]

Thank you for turning me on to the Book of Angels series. It is one of many areas of John Zorn's prolific output which I had approached by wondering where to begin. It is interesting to me that Zorn himself does not play on any of these songs. I will have to check out several of these albums further. I had never heard of many of these artists, but now I am going to look for more of their work, including their work outside of Zorn's world.

It is nice to hear music from the present time. Many of the Blindfold Tests have few, or no, tracks from after 2004, and here all of your selections are from after 2004.

It is interesting to me how very differently the various artists interpret Zorn's compositions. There is a lot of creativity shown here in terms of arrangements and musical concepts.

Thank you for a most intriguing Blindfold Test.

[Hardbopjazz]

  I wasn't familiar with this music. I've seen John Zone live as well as others playing his music. I never heard any of this before.  

[JSngry]

I get that it's a Zorn showcase, but every item being minor key (and most featuring the harmonic minor-ish "Middle Eastern" modality made for a difficult continuous listen for me. I didn't offer comments becuase after the first few tunes, I just shut down. The differences in instrumentation helped, but not enough, I'm afraid.

Not a knock on the music or the presentation, just saying, after a while it all seemed like almost the same thing. Maybe that was the point?

Of course, you can say the same thing about bebop, or trad, or free, or anything, really. Real variety is a booger to get to, period.

Otherwise, I do appreciate your focus and applaud your keeping it new-ish. Also hope that the familial situation resolves itself without any unnecessary trauma, drama, and/or pain. We've all been there, so thoughts are with you and yours.

[Mary6170]

On 4/27/2017 at 10:09 AM, Hot Ptah said:

Thank you for turning me on to the Book of Angels series. It is one of many areas of John Zorn's prolific output which I had approached by wondering where to begin. It is interesting to me that Zorn himself does not play on any of these songs. I will have to check out several of these albums further. I had never heard of many of these artists, but now I am going to look for more of their work, including their work outside of Zorn's world.

It is nice to hear music from the present time. Many of the Blindfold Tests have few, or no, tracks from after 2004, and here all of your selections are from after 2004.

It is interesting to me how very differently the various artists interpret Zorn's compositions. There is a lot of creativity shown here in terms of arrangements and musical concepts.

Thank you for a most intriguing Blindfold Test.

Thank you for your positive comments.

4 hours ago, Hardbopjazz said:

  I wasn't familiar with this music. I've seen John Zone live as well as others playing his music. I never heard any of this before.  

I had hoped to present Zorn in a more varied context than many had known.

4 hours ago, JSngry said:

I get that it's a Zorn showcase, but every item being minor key (and most featuring the harmonic minor-ish "Middle Eastern" modality made for a difficult continuous listen for me. I didn't offer comments becuase after the first few tunes, I just shut down. The differences in instrumentation helped, but not enough, I'm afraid.

Not a knock on the music or the presentation, just saying, after a while it all seemed like almost the same thing. Maybe that was the point?

Of course, you can say the same thing about bebop, or trad, or free, or anything, really. Real variety is a booger to get to, period.

Otherwise, I do appreciate your focus and applaud your keeping it new-ish. Also hope that the familial situation resolves itself without any unnecessary trauma, drama, and/or pain. We've all been there, so thoughts are with you and yours.

I deliberately wanted to show the great variety in creative approaches to the same basic material. To me, it is much like listening to Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, B.B.King, Magic Sam, Otis Rush, Buddy Guy, Freddie King, Son Seals, Albert Collins, Albert King, and Luther Allison all playing 12 bar electric blues. While the basic material is close to identical, the individual approaches of the artists shine through and are more obvious because they are basically playing the same thing. 

I knew that some people might not be open to it but thought I would take a chance.

Thanks for your nice personal comments, I appreciate it.

 

[Hardbopjazz]

You sure did. I will differently go and buy some of these recordings.

I have a few recordings of Zorn. "Naked City, Plays Ennio Morricone, News for Lulu, More News for Lulu and Transmigration Of The Magus."

I really liked a lot that you included in this blindfold test. So different from what I am aware of by him.

 

[Mary6170]

1 hour ago, Hardbopjazz said:

You sure did. I will differently go and buy some of these recordings.

I have a few recordings of Zorn. "Naked City, Plays Ennio Morricone, News for Lulu, More News for Lulu and Transmigration Of The Magus."

I really liked a lot that you included in this blindfold test. So different from what I am aware of by him.

 

To me, Zorn's early works were often intense and harsh, compared to the more varied output of the last 12 years.

[Spontooneous]

I'll be dipped. Clearly I have to remedy that I have largely overlooked the Book of Angels series.

Looks like I also have to investigate the Spike Orchestra.

[randyhersom]

I had mentally prepared the note:  This BFT has increased my appreciation of a musical figure who does not play on any of its tracks.  Wasn't absolutely sure of the latter but Shazam led to the conclusion that it was all Book of Angels.  I had done some listening to Astaroth and liked it quite a bit but didn't remember it well enough to identify.  On a relisten much of it was more "adventurous" than the lovely track chosen.

[Mary6170]

23 hours ago, Spontooneous said:

I'll be dipped. Clearly I have to remedy that I have largely overlooked the Book of Angels series.

Looks like I also have to investigate the Spike Orchestra.

You will find many other worthy tracks, albums and artists if you investigate the Book of Angels series further. There are many other excellent tracks and albums in the Book of Angels series. I made tough choices to keep this Blindfold Test down to a reasonable length.

14 hours ago, randyhersom said:

I had mentally prepared the note:  This BFT has increased my appreciation of a musical figure who does not play on any of its tracks.  Wasn't absolutely sure of the latter but Shazam led to the conclusion that it was all Book of Angels.  I had done some listening to Astaroth and liked it quite a bit but didn't remember it well enough to identify.  On a relisten much of it was more "adventurous" than the lovely track chosen.

It is true that I chose the least adventurous track on Astaroth. It was often difficult to decide which of several worthy tracks from an album to choose for the Blindfold Test. I also did not include several artists who recorded excellent albums in this Book of Angels series simply in order to keep the length of this Test from getting out of hand.

Edited April 30, 2017 by Mary6170