The long awaited release of Medeski, Martin and Wood performing Masada material is finally available and it is one of their tightest and most imaginative CDs ever! Played to packed houses from Budokan to Bonaroo and back again, MMW is one of the most popular and vibrant modern instrumental ensembles around. Returning to the fold like three prodigal sons, they have created twelve exhilarating arrangements that alternately groove, loop, shred and burn with a fiery passion.

Three of the most intense musicians on the planet come together in one of the most explosive and rockin ensembles around. An original member of the Masada family since it's inception, no one is more keenly equipped to handle a rock trio interpretation of the BOOK OF ANGELS than Marc Ribot. Joined here by the versatile Tevor Dunn on bass and the legendary G. Calvin Weston on drums, Marc plays like never before, referencing Hendrix, Sharrock, McLaughlin, Ulmer and more. Masada music takes on a whole new dimension. Passionate and powerful, this is one of the most compelling installments in the entire Masada series and contains some of Ribot's wildest and best playing ever. This CD will blow your mind.

Ever curious, courageous and endlessly creative, virtuoso guitarist and musical mastermind Pat Metheny takes on John Zorn's Masada songbook to create some of the most soulful and adventurous sounds yet heard in the Book of Angels series. Turn up the volume and revel in the breadth of imagination in these remarkable arrangements featuring Pat on a huge arsenal of instruments, and the powerful Antonio Sanchez on drums. Pat Metheny continues to surprise and experiment with new musical frontiers well into the 21st century. Co-produced with Nonesuch Records, this is a match made in Heaven!

Mary Halvorson is one of the most acclaimed guitarists of her generation-a virtuoso improviser, distinctive composer, arranger and a deep student of the jazz guitar. Here she joins forces with living legend Bill Frisell to pay tribute to Johnny Smith, a guitarist who has been a huge influence on them both. Performing 9 ballads associated with Smith and his classic composition Walk Don't Run, this is an essential CD of soulful guitar duets by two of the most beloved and original guitarists in modern jazz. A beautiful cd of ballads like you have never heard them before! Moonlight in Vermont * The Maid with the Flaxen Hair * Scarlet Ribbons for Her Hair * In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning * Shenandoah * The Nearness of You * Black is the Color of my True Love's Hair * Old Folks * Misty * Walk Don't Run

Vinyl LP pressing. All funds from the sale of this LP will go to benefit the Tzadik label. SCP, the online distributor for our direct-to-consumer mail order projects has shut down owing Tzadik $70,000. To help rebalance this loss we are releasing this special vinyl version of six selections from New Masada Quartet Volume One. New Masada Quartet is one of the best groups Zorn has ever had. Bristling hot guitar master Julian Lage, bass wizard Jorge Roeder and 30-year Zorn veteran Kenny Wollesen perform with a crackling live energy that brings the Masada music to life like never before! Led by Zorn's versatile sax and stop-and-start conducting, the music is filled with burning solos, telepathic group interaction, heartfelt lyricism and hypnotic grooves. Please purchase this limited edition LP and help Tzadik continue it's mission to support and document new music in the 21st century. Special Thanks to Sarah Robertson, Marisa Rolish, Scott Hull, Heung-Heung Chin, Bruce Gallanter, Stephen Svacina, Glenn Dicker, and Redeye for donating their time and services to help Tzadik with this special benefit vinyl release.

Devon Hoff, Yuka C. Honda, Michael Leonhart, Joao Nogueira, Mauro Refosco, Ches Smith, Johnny Mathar, Sean Ono Lennon. Tzadik is proud to present Asterisms, a beautiful and exploratory instrumental project by Sean Ono Lennon, one of the most creative and versatile musician/composer/producer/songwriters working today. Sean has written countless songs, composed film scores, produced, and performed on dozens of albums-and here he steps out as the leader of an all-star band of Downtown luminaries. Years in the making, the music is powerful, trippy, and intensely imaginative, blending rock, electronics, jazz, and more into an exciting new musical soundscape. With driving rhythms, a stunning lyricism, and a brilliant sense of orchestration, this album is sure to surprise and delight music fans the world 'round. Beautifully recorded, this is modern instrumental music at it's very best-essential!

This third CD from the dynamic piano trio of Brian Marsella, Jorge Roeder, and Ches Smith is a delightful surprise-and one of Zorn's greatest achievements. Exploring a wide variety of tempi, moods, and feelings the compositions dive deeply into the parameters of melody, harmony, hythm, and texture, stretching the ballade format to it's limits and beyond. The trio, three essential members of Zorn's inner circle, performs with passion, imagination, virtuosity, and a telepathic improvisational interplay at the very highest level. A stunning collection of modern Ballades performed by three of the greatest young musicians in the Downtown scene. Essential! 1. Ballade Nr. 1 2. Ballade Nr. 2 3. Ballade Nr. 3 4. Ballade Nr. 4 5. Ballade Nr. 5 6. Ballade Nr. 6 7. Ballade Nr. 7 8. Ballade Nr. 8 9. Ballade Nr. 9 10. Ballade Nr. 10 11. Ballade Nr. 11

2024 release. Originally formed in 1991, PainKiller is a legendary trio that forged a completely unique language blending jazz, metal, grindcore, ambient, dub, and so much more. Recording again for the first time in over a quarter century, these three master musicians have come up with an intense new musical direction. Mick Harris, performing on his trademark electronics, has created a rich tapestry of beats and sounds that have inspired Laswell and Zorn to some exciting new heights. Samsara presents three old friends exploring some bold new sounds.

Written in the 1970s, Zorn's earliest game pieces are legendary (often discussed and workshopped in secret but rarely performed in public) and Curling from 1978 is one of the most elusive and hermetic. Focusing exclusively on long tones, it is quite unusual in Zorn's canon-meditative, minimalist, and hypnotic. Performing here are two ensembles from the Bay Area that have had close ties with Zorn for over forty years and are perfectly suited to execute this challenging and beautiful work. The Rova Sax Quartet and the William Winant Percussion Group are both masters of composition and improvisation and here they take this seductive score to astonishing new heights. 1. Curling 2. Curling

Vadim is one of the most accomplished pianists of his generation, a musician of astonishing range and passion. His newest work tells a story of compassion, empathy, willpower, resistance, sincerity, falsehood, freedom, and the arduous path to it. As a Ukrainian, he is deeply connected to the current events, however the music is not only about the devastating war, it speaks to us all, reflecting on timeless human challenges and the best aspects of our nature. Placing exhilarating piano improvisations in the context of gorgeous compositions for classical string trio, Perseverantia is Vadim's greatest work to date.

From March to May 2015, John Zorn composed 300 new tunes that were eventually collected into a book of music he called The Bagatelles. This sixth volume features a pianist who has quickly become a central figure in Zorn's pantheon of musical virtuosos-Brian Marsella. His trio is one of the most talked about ensembles in the Downtown scene and these fabulous performances are filled with fiery solos, a soulful lyricism and telepathic interplay. A highlight of the Bagatelles Marathons, they perform a dramatic program of driving swingers, tender ballads, free jazz explorations and exotic mood pieces.

Bill Frisell, Kenny Wollesen, and Carol Emanuel are The Gnostic Trio and their unique blend of minimalism, early music, and jazz has resulted in some of the loveliest music Zorn has ever created. Sing Me Now Asleep is their first CD in over five years and not surprisingly it explores some unexpected new directions - notably two ambient-influenced pieces in the spirit of Zorn's Absinthe and Redbird, and a dramatic long form composition in the style of his cinematic file card works. Enhanced by the moody electronics of Ikue Mori on one hypnotic track, this ninth CD in the legacy of The Gnostic Trio is their most gentle and soothing to date, and heralds a striking new musical direction for this beloved super group.

From March to May 2015, John Zorn composed 300 new tunes that were eventually collected into a book of music he called The Bagatelles. Volume 7 is a remarkable solo piano performance by Brian Marsella who has become a lynchpin of Zorn's crew of musical masters. Blending classical and jazz into an exhilarating and varied suite, Brian presents a group of thirteen Bagatelles as a beautiful set of theme and variations. This is piano virtuosity at it's finest-a profound exploration into the world of Zorn's Bagatelles.

From March to May 2015, John Zorn composed 300 new tunes that were eventually collected into a book of music he called The Bagatelles. Volume 8 presents the long-awaited premiere recording of John Medeski's psychedelic organ trio. Featuring David Fiuczynski (Screaming Headless Torsos) in a striking Hendrix/Blood Ulmer mood and the powerhouse drummer G. Calvin Weston (Ornette Coleman, Lounge Lizards), the music is fierce, imaginative and endlessly creative. Touching on funk, jazz, psychedelic rock, metal and more-this is one of the most intense interpretations of the Bagatelles ever conceived. This music will sear your brain!! Essential.

Cecil Taylor was a powerful and unforgettable music force - a fearless visionary and one of the greatest musicians of the past 100 years. His visceral and intense performances influenced generations of musicians, artists, poets, filmmakers and creative minds of every description. Winged Serpents features six heartfelt tributes performed by some of the most original pianists and musical thinkers working today. Each has been touched by Cecil's magic and here perform an improvised tribute to this legendary genius that created a new music that transcended all genres.

Sofia Rei, JC Maillard, Franco Pinna, Thierry Arpino The fabulous voice of Sofia Rei has graced several Zorn vocal projects, from the acappella quartet Mycale to the dynamic Song Project, and here she interprets 8 compositions from the Book Beri'ah-the third and last book completing the Masada legacy. Featuring the remarkable JC Maillard on saz bass, the arrangements are incredibly varied, and range from lyrical heartfelt ballads to driving grooves. Intimate and intensely personal, this is one of the most unique Masada cds in the entire series! Unforgettable. 1. Ge'ulah 2. Setumah 3. Kayam 4. Rachamim 5. Penimi 6. Orot 7. Tikkun 8. Ketarim

The Hierophant is a spectacular new suite of Zorn compositions drawing inspiration from the mystic world of the Tarot. Scored for classic jazz piano trio, the music is powerful and varied, hitting upon a wide range of styles, emotions and moods. Passionately performed by three members of Zorns inner circleBrian Marsella (piano) Trevor Dunn (bass) and Kenny Wollesen (drums) these magical and moving pieces are not like any piano trio you have ever heard. Thrilling and beautiful mod- ern chamber music featuring three new music virtuosos at the very height of their powers!

Blending a punk rock sensibility with Sephardic tribalism via a taste of North African Gnawa magic, Abraxas is one of the most primal and rocking ensembles in the Masada family. After extensive touring with music from the Book of Angels, they stormed into Bill Laswells studio to record an even more intense CD of Masada Book Three. Upheld by the pulsating sound of Shanir Ezra Blumenkranzs gimbri and the dynamic drumming of Kenny Grohowski, Aram Bajakian and Eyal Maoz push their guitars to the limits. Hypnotic grooves and trance-inducing guitar solos with arrangements that stop on a dime create a CD of white hot intensity.

Based in Mexico, Klezmerson is a super creative ever changing ensemble led by violinist, composer and arranger Benjamin Schwartz. Here they do their critically acclaimed and best selling Book of Angels installment one better with wild arrangements blending a variety of Mexican musical traditions with the sound of Masada. Featuring electric and acoustic strings, keyboards, accordions, saxes and of course a huge array of Latin percussion, Tiferet is one of the most delightful and imaginative CDs in the Book Beriah!

Working together since 1982, Cyro Baptista is one of Zorn's closest friends and col- laborators. Banquet of the Spirits is his tight touring quartet of young lions and fea- tures Brian Marsella, Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz and Tim Keiper on keyboards, bass and drums. Here they follow up their acclaimed CD of the Book of Angels Caym with a Latin Jazz-tinged interpretation featuring the rising star Brian Marsella on piano and keyboards. Breathtakingly beautiful, this is one of the most seductive install- ments of the Book Beri'ah. Latin Jazz at it's very best.

Craig Taborn and Vadim Neselovskyi are two of the most acclaimed and brilliant pianists working today and here they perform a select set of Masada compositions in solo, duo and trio permutations. Created as a bonus disk for the Book Beri'ah, it is a beautiful program and highlights the incredible versatility of the Masada compositions themselves as well as and the stunning virtuosity and imaginative creativity of these two keyboard masters. Featuring pieces for solo piano, two amazing piano duets and three pieces for piano, bass and drums, Da'at is a beautiful bonus CD to the Book Beriah series.

Preceded by Nove Cantici per Francesco d'Assisi and Virtue (for Julian of Norwich), Teresa de Avila is the third and final CD in Zorn's trilogy inspired by towering figures of Christian mysticism. Written for the all-star acoustic guitar trio of Bill Frisell, Julian Lage and Gyan Riley whose performances are steeped in a feeling of love and mutual respect, the music is both beautifully simple and strangely complex, drawing equally on classical modernism, bluegrass, jazz, Jewish and renaissance music. Filled with compositional surprises, mysterious moods, beautiful harmonies and a stunning lyricism, Teresa de Avila is a must-have for all fans of acoustic guitar music. This is one of the most personal and varied books of music Zorn has yet written-a lovely tribute to the enduring legacy of one of the world's most beloved spiritual figures. Includes an extended appreciation by renown philosopher Arnold Davidson.

Heaven and Earth Magick showcases Zorn's fabulous and compelling blending of classical virtuosic instrumental writing with the improvisational world of Jazz. Completely notated works for piano and vibraphone brilliantly performed by Steve Gosling and Sae Hashimoto are set against a dynamic improvisational rhythm section of Jorge Roeder and Ches Smith. An exciting new musical world filled with an exhilarating sense of drama and a mischievous wit. Zorn's unique mastery of instrumental writing and wild improvisational conducting skills are here in all their thorny complexity. Essential! Auto-da-Fe * Acephale * Asclemandres * Descent into the Maelstrom * Konx Om Pax * Casting the Runes

A sublime and transcendent memorial to one of Zorn's earliest mentors-Ennio Morricone. Featuring the soulful guitar of Bill Frisell set within the magical sonorities of vibraphone, harp and bells the music takes on an epic orchestral sweep with the added presence of special guest keyboard wizard John Medeski on organ and piano. Filled with beautiful harmonies, a driving rhythmic pulse and stunning lyri-cism, this is some of the most lush and spiritual music Zorn has ever written. Truly music of the Angels-intimate chamber music to heal an aching heart performed by one of the world's most ethereal ensembles.

Ikue Mori, Phew and YoshimiO are three legends of the Japanese Avant Garde music scene: Ikue was an original member of DNA and is a vital member of the NYC Downtown Scene, Phew founded Aunt Sally in 1978 and has performed in countless folk/rock solo projects and collaborations and YoshimiO is a core member of the Boredoms, Saicobab and OOIOO. Here they come together for their first ever trio project. Recorded at Club U.F.O. in Tokyo, the music was edited and mixed during the shelter-in-place months of early 2020. Surprising and powerful, this is a fabulous and essential meeting of three new music superstars.