The Cleansing

In the wake of the COVID-19 lockdowns, two titans of the avant-garde music scene, John Zorn and Bill Laswell, reunited to create "The Cleansing," their first-ever collaborative album. Recorded in real-time with no edits or overdubs, this studio album captures the raw, spontaneous energy of their improvisational prowess. Zorn, renowned for his work as a composer and saxophonist, and Laswell, a celebrated bassist and composer, have been musical companions since 1978. Their shared history and mutual respect shine through in this intimate, six-track album.

"The Cleansing" is a testament to the duo's ability to blend genres, drawing from avant-garde, free jazz, experimental, and psychedelic influences. Each track is named after a significant cultural figure, reflecting the artists' deep engagement with literature, art, and philosophy. The album opens with "Brion Gysin," a 10-minute exploration of sound and texture, and closes with the titular "The Cleansing," a brief, intense coda. In between, listeners will find pieces dedicated to Aleister Crowley, Austin Osman Spare, William Burroughs, and Alejandro Jodorowsky, each offering a unique sonic landscape.

The album's improvisational nature allows for a sense of discovery and surprise, as Zorn's alto saxophone and Laswell's bass guitar weave in and out of each other's orbits. The result is a captivating, dynamic listening experience that showcases the duo's exceptional musicianship and creative synergy. "The Cleansing" is a powerful addition to the discographies of both John Zorn and Bill Laswell, highlighting their enduring influence on contemporary music.

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.