Zorn, Jorn: Parrhesiastes

John Zorn is a name I have heard many times, but often when the “experimental� tab is thrown out there, I find myself shying away. For the most part, in my experience, the use of experimental comes across as an excuse to label noise music. Yes, my experience is limited, but be that as it may, I have not found much enjoyment in listening to the Avant / Experimental artists. In reading up on this release, Zorn’s musical history covers the gamut from jazz to classical, metal to ambient, and all things in between. Parrhesiastes consists of three lengthy tracks, all clocking in at 10+ minutes long. The opener “In The Footsteps of Hermes� covers a lot of ground, the exciting combination of Brian Marsella on Fender Rhodes combined with the organ of John Medeski is terrific, and the frequent heavy guitar breaks offered by Matt Hollenberg add a lot of punch and variation. This lineup is dubbed the Chaos Magick, an eclectic quartet that’s fast-moving, improv-sational, and intensely focused ensemble.

The music weaves in and out, the dreamy electric Rhodes will then give way to organ or guitar, and the next path is forged when the baton is handed off to the lead instrument. As much as the music shifts from track to track, there is a cohesive quality, and for music labeled as experimental, it is very listenable and enjoyable to these ears. I tend to really like the heavier side, and the jazzy electric keyboard and organ that open the closing “Form, Object, and Desire� really gets me. The intensity and intricacy of the music is impressive, it also has sections that remind me of those intertwining Crimson moments from the early 80’s. The organ adds a bluesy touch, and then the solo spots add fuel to the fire. This has my attention and I plan to explore the other releases from this particular line-up, it’s experimental but with a melodic sensibility that makes it a highly enjoyable listen.

Track List:
1. In The Footsteps of Hermes
2. The Evental Devalorization of the Perhaps
3. Form, Object, Desire

Added: January 2nd 2024
Reviewer: Eric Porter
Score:
Related Link: Artist Website
Hits: 499
Language: english

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