Dive into the avant-garde world of John Zorn with "Les Maudits," a captivating album that pushes the boundaries of chamber music and experimental soundscapes. Released on July 24, 2020, via Tzadik, this 41-minute journey is a tribute to the 'cursed' artists of French culture, featuring three dynamic pieces that blend genres and defy conventions.
The album opens with "Ubu," a sprawling 20-minute pastiche that weaves together elements of rock, free improvisation, ambient, jazz, blues, and more. This bizarre musical portrait of Alfred Jarry's subversive character Ubu is one of Zorn's most outrageous creations, showcasing his ability to blend disparate styles into a cohesive and compelling whole. The piece is performed by Zorn on sax and vocals, Simon Hanes on guitars, bass, and vocals, and Ches Smith on vibes, percussion, and vocals, recorded at EastSide Sound in NYC in January 2020.
The second piece, "Baudelaires," is a nod to the French poet Charles Baudelaire and his works "Paris Spleen," "Flowers of Evil," and "Artificial Paradises." Recorded in January 2015, this composition is conducted by David Fulmer and features a chamber ensemble that brings Zorn's unique vision to life.
The album concludes with "Oviri," another chamber piece conducted by Fulmer that pays homage to the avant-garde figures of French culture. The piece was also recorded in January 2015 and is a testament to Zorn's enduring fascination with the boundary-pushing artists of the past.
Throughout "Les Maudits," Zorn's compositions are conducted by himself and David Fulmer, with the album produced by Zorn and associate producer Kazunori Sugiyama. The mastering is handled by Scott Hull, ensuring that the intricate details of Zorn's compositions are preserved and highlighted.
"Les Maudits" is a testament to John Zorn's enduring influence in the world of experimental music. With its blend of genres, innovative compositions, and tribute to the avant-garde artists of the past, this album is a must-listen for fans of avant-garde, free jazz, and experimental music.
