Heaven and Earth Magick

"Heaven and Earth Magick," the latest avant-garde masterpiece from the prolific composer and multi-instrumentalist John Zorn, is a thrilling exploration of the boundaries between free jazz, experimental music, and the occult. Released on February 19, 2021, via Tzadik, this 54-minute album is a testament to Zorn's unique vision and his unparalleled ability to blend diverse musical influences into a cohesive and captivating whole.

The album features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Stephen Gosling on piano, Sae Hashimoto on violin, Jorge Roeder on bass, and Ches Smith on drums. Together, they navigate the six intricate compositions that make up "Heaven and Earth Magick," each track a testament to Zorn's mastery of instrumental writing and his penchant for the dramatic and the unexpected.

From the opening track "Auto-da-Fé" to the closing "Casting the Runes," the album is a journey through a musical landscape that is as exhilarating as it is enigmatic. Zorn's mischievous wit and his deep knowledge of the occult are evident throughout, adding layers of meaning and intrigue to the music. The album's themes of magic, mysticism, and the supernatural are woven into the fabric of the compositions, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

"Heaven and Earth Magick" is not just another album in John Zorn's extensive discography. It is a bold statement, a challenge to the listener to engage with the music on a deeper level, to explore the spaces between the notes, and to embrace the unknown. It is a celebration of the power of music to transcend boundaries and to connect us with the mysteries of the universe. Whether you're a longtime fan of John Zorn or a newcomer to his work, "Heaven and Earth Magick" is an album that demands to be heard.

John Zorn is a boundary-defying American composer, saxophonist, and producer renowned for his eclectic and experimental approach to music. Resisting easy categorization, Zorn's work spans an impressive range of genres, including jazz, rock, classical, metal, and world music, often blending them in unexpected and innovative ways. A prolific artist, he has released a vast discography, including the monumental 11-album box set "The Book Beriah," which features 92 compositions. Zorn is also the founder of the Tzadik record label, a platform for experimental and avant-garde music, and has collaborated with numerous influential musicians. His groundbreaking ensemble Naked City is often cited as a precursor to the jazz-metal fusion genre. Zorn's compositions often incorporate unique structures, such as his celebrated "game" pieces like "Cobra," which guide large, diverse groups of musicians through intricate musical strategies. With a career that has spanned decades, John Zorn continues to be a catalyst for innovation and a major influence in contemporary music.