John “Restless” – while Zorn appears on over 400 recordings as a composer or performer – Zorn is back. After “Nova Express”, the downtown Alchemist throw in the battle a flamboyant and dynamic brass trio made of Peter Evans – Trumpet, David Taylor – Bass Trombone and Marcus Rojas – Tuba, and the explosive and colorful percussion section made of Cyro Baptista and Kenny Wollesen. Some may say that Zorn is the Devil in person, but I’m only sure of he’s one of the very few actually creative musicians of the 21st century. And well, mentioning the Devil, a Limited Edition of 666 copies have been individually signed & numbered by Zorn’s hand, and are for sale exclusively at Downtown Music Gallery and Fields Books in San Francisco for $25 [shipping extra]. 😀
“The Satyr’s Play – Cerberus” is a dramatic work that mysteriously evokes the decadent excesses of Bacchanalia and Saturnalia.
The bacchanalia were wild and mystic festivals of the Roman and Greek god Bacchus. The bacchanalia were originally held in secret and only attended by women and the festivals occurred on three days of the year. Later, admission to the rites was extended to men and celebrations took place five times a month. The rapid spread of the cult, which he claims indulged in all kinds of crimes and political conspiracies at its nocturnal meetings, led in 186 BC to a decree of the Senate— the so-called Senatus consultum de Bacchanalibus, by which the Bacchanalia were prohibited throughout all Italy except in certain special cases which must be approved specifically by the Senate. So, ordinarily speaking, we’re talking about an orgiastic festival in ancient Greece in honor of Dionysus = Bacchus – the wine god, a wild gathering involving excessive drinking and promiscuity.
On the other hand, Saturnalia is an Ancient Roman festival held in honour of Saturn = Cronus. Saturnalia was introduced around 217 BC to raise citizen morale after a crushing military defeat at the hands of the Carthaginians. Originally celebrated for a day, on December 17, its popularity saw it grow until it became a week-long extravaganza. Efforts to shorten the celebration were unsuccessful. Augustus tried to reduce it to three days, and Caligula to five. These attempts caused uproar and massive revolts among the Roman citizens.
In addition, “The Satyr’s Play – Cerberus” it’s presented in book form accompanied by a esoteric text beautifully illustrated with rare drawings by the great mystical artist Austin Osman Spare, this is a work of subtle nuance and sexuality.
I admit, I was a little bit worried this will be another abstract extravaganza by Mr. Zorn, but even being in some moments quite abstract, there’s some quite magic moments and Zorn delivered another exciting and colorful material. Looking forward to listen the upcoming “Crowleyana”.
So, it’s time to buy a couple of bottles of wine, call your love and knock yourself out. And for the entire pleasure and satisfaction of your neighbors inclusively, play on repeat “The Satyr’s Play – Cerberus” at least the whole night. 😀
John Zorn : The Satyr’s Play – Cerberus
Cat. # 7390
Released Apr 2011
cd time – 37:09
US Price $19.00
Tzadik
John Zorn @ MySpace
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