John Zorn or Fred Frith?

Zorny Zorn Zorn

Have to go with Frith, even though Zorn has many many homeruns in his discog.

Fred for having known the best over the years.  Just got my first three self titled Zorns this year.  I was reluctant to try more Zorn after his 50th thingy with Frith, but then I was browsing at my local independent record store because a mail order had failed to arrive in a timely fashion.  I started at the rock Zs.  Wahoo looked intriguing but was pricey.  Went through all the rock and came across a couple of reissues I was kind of interested in but said, nah, maybe and moved on.  So next I hit the jazz section.  I swear I go all the way from A to Z there and nothing really excites me.  I make it to Z and there's several recent Zorns.  They are all on Tzadic and have written information blurbs about the album in a little insert at the spine.  So I'm thinking hmmm.  And I read them and the one for The Dreamers sounded really intriguing:
"Continuing in the tradition of his popular album The Gift, Zorn again combines a lifetime of musical passions—world music, movie soundtracks, jazz, minimalism, exotica, funk, surf rock and more—to create a vibrant and multifaceted album of instrumental fairy tales. Masterfully performed by the all-star players from Electric Masada, The Dreamers is a project of breathtaking variety and will attract listeners of all backgrounds and ages. Bathed in a lush package created by the acclaimed artist and exclusive Tzadik graphic designer Chippy, and accompanied by a sheet of collectable character stickers, The Dreamers is one of Zorn’s most beautiful and appealing projects. Seductive lyricism, hypnotic grooves, catchy hooks and romantic moods from this genre-bashing master of surprise."
So I get to the truck and immediately pull off the shrink wrap and pop it in.  It was one of those make your day music moments.  Totally clicked.



Edited by Slartibartfast - November 19 2011 at 17:56

No, but I'm interested in it already.

I'm also considering the new Christmas album.


Edited by Slartibartfast - November 19 2011 at 18:00

Frith because Zorn gets on my nerves.

Zorn has too much elevator material for me, whereas I love everything Frith has done

Henry Cow is really the furthest I've gone with Frith, so I don't know which to choose.

Herd?  

Frith for me, easily.

Wow. I didn't expect such a raping.

Another vote from Frith I'm afraid. I find Zorn's projects to be interesting for twenty minutes or so at a time, but they've never held my attention for an entire album. Mind you, that Dreamers album does look/sound intriguing.

As for Frith - superb improviser, incomparable composer. He's in another league altogether!