Live in Middelheim [Live]

John Zorn | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 30, 1999)
• Original Release Date: November 16, 1999
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Live
• Label: Tzadik
• ASIN: B00002EQ80
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #268,058 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unreal! An absolute must buy!, November 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Live in Middelheim (Audio CD)

The most inspiring live album by the most inspiring band in modern music! I believe that the musical telepathy displayed by these four virtuosos is unmatched. The fact that this CD is the document of a concert that has them playing together for the first time in almost six months is mind boggling and provides ample proof of their telepathic brilliance. This CD has them in their finest form, both as a group and as individuals. If you thought that Joey Baron was the world's greatest drummer, listen to 'Piram' and you will no longer think he is, you will know he is. 'Kedushah' is Greg Cohen's feature. He manages to somehow balance beauty and aggressiveness and what results is a perfect bass solo. Dave Douglas pulls off an understated beauty in 'Kochot' which displays some of very traits that make him one of the busiest and most sought after trumpet players in jazz. Composer and saxophonist John Zorn is possessed on 'Nevuah'. The magical tone of his alto is there in all it's glory and his trademark screams and quacks inspire the band to perform at a level of ferociousness and terror that most death metal bands can't match. A message for Mr.Zorn: Please, keep 'em coming! There will never be enough Masada releases.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing., December 29, 1999

By 

chugga (Iowa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live in Middelheim (Audio CD)

I've heard all three Masada live disc sets and this one is the best, and the shortest (this one is the only one that isn't a two-disc set). I know those terms don't generally go together, but two discs of live Masada is a lot to take in all at once. That said, this is unreal. The recording quality is every bit as good as any of their studio albums, and the playing... well, I don't want to ruin it for you. Recommended starting point for anyone interested in jazz in general, and no Zorn fan could live without this. Drummer Joey Baron is in exceptionally top form here, and even bassist Greg Cohen gets a shot in the limelight on several not-to-be-missed interludes. Dave Douglas is fabulous as usual and Zorn himself really pushes the limits of what people might call melody. All in all, it's West meets East-- and it's wonderful. Buy it before you die. You'll be glad you did.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Completely Wild, April 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Live in Middelheim (Audio CD)

This is one of the craziest albums I have heard in a long time. The wails, screams, and turbulance are enough to crack any sane human being. Of the live Masada albums, this ranks as the best. It has more energy than a morning cup of coffee infused with 4 shots of espresso. Don't listen to it in a tranquil mood. This is for the heavy hitters. This album will keep giving from the first listening. Basically, it's the most exciting thing in free jazz in a long time. Buy it; you won't be disappointed