MUSIC FOR CHILDREN

John Zorn

RIO/Avant-Prog

3.00 | 13 ratings

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snobb
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator

You don't need to have children to realize this release possibly doesn't contain music of such kind even from album's cover. It's good, because cover art doesn't lie.

There is not too much music for romance as well - John has his own sense of humour and his own deep and dark vision what is the world around us. This album is very eclectic collection of his sketches, and too often you must be brave in heart to listen it.

The opener "Fils Des Etoiles" is light soundtrack for German fairy tale from 19-s century, airy sound of celesta and percussion with some accidental voices, some Eastern tunes under the skin and deep feeling that this fairy tale wouldn't has happy end.

Second composition " This Way Out" with Jeff Hudgins (not Zorn) on sax is just slightly modernised bop piece. Good prelude to " Music For Children". This 14+ minutes long composition for piano,violin and percussion is classic example of contemporary avantgarde. Free form minimalist composition with very non-childish dark emptiness and thriller's soundtrack atmosphere.As compensation for those survived listening previous song short (o:46) " Bikini Atoll" - noisy explosion in Naked City tradition. Right after - another ,even shorter (0:36) , Naked City's song - "Bone Crusher". Both previous compositions don't work as lullabies for your children, believe me.

"Dreamer Of Dreams" is beautiful, a bit melancholic tune from old Western,played by one of the best Zorn's formed trio: Greg Cohen on bass, Erik Friedlander on cello and excellent avant-guitarist Marc Ribot . Don't relax too much though - next composition is most serious test for you on this album. John Zorn's solo song "Cycles Du Nord" - 20:54 long piece of ... sounds, played by John using three Wind Machines and Two Acoustic Feedback Systems only! If you ever heard Hemophiliac's recordings, or are fan of Ikue Mori, you can imagine what this piece is about.

Final album's composition "SooKi's Lullaby" is dark and beautiful fairy tail's melody ,similar as on opener, played by Anthony Coleman (using Celeste Music Box). Story is over and I am not sure if children fell asleep...

Far not the most accessible Zorn's album, nice one for fans, and not the best entry place for newcomers.

And - don't buy it for your children...

snobb | 3/5 | 2010-11-11

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