IN SEARCH OF THE MIRACULOUS

This album opens with two great songs ("Prelude: From a Great Temple" [8/10] and "Sacred Dance {Invocation}" [9/10] before slipping ("Book of Shadows" [6/10]) into a pretty, easy listening, almost New Age feel. "Affirmation" [7/10] brings in a pleasant though 'nothing new' Vince Guaraldi feel (which seems appropriate, given the title and Vince's very life-affirming work with "Peanuts" and "Black Orpheus" soundtracks.) "Magus" [8/10] skips back into the realm of exciting, moving and very melodic jazz. "Hymn for a New Millenium" [8/10] reminds me a lot of some MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA structures and emotional tones. "Journey of the Magicians" [4/10] is pure elevator jazz--a pop song turned instrumental with a jazzified instruments and feel. "Mythic Etude" [7/10] is a pretty slow dance with some Chopin-feeling moments. "Postlude: Prayers and Enchantment" [6/10] is a kind of bland, unexceptional jazz piece-- a lot like some of PAT METHENY GROUP's slower, more soporific stuff. Over all, I like this album a bit more than the only other Zorn album I've ever heard, "The Goddess: Music for Ancient Days." Good enjoyable music. Recommended.