Label: Tzadik, 2023

Personnel - John Zorn: alto saxophone; Bill Laswell: electric bass.

Saxophonist John Zorn and bassist Bill Laswell, stalwart figures of the New York’s downtown scene, have been close collaborators since the mid-‘70s. In their recent duo effort, Memoria, they pay homage to three late visionaries of jazz and improvised music. Working together in the spirit of trust, they transcend in their tantrums, creating an intense and evocative journey that explores new musical territory. The results are no less than telepathic.

In “Pharaoh Sanders”, Laswell's washing bass chords limned with synth effects provide a backdrop for an explosive saxophone performance. Zorn explores in feral fury with piercing squeaks, contrasting with Laswell's long, reflective notes. The saxophone pitch is manic, creating an astonishing density. The circular, spectral, and enigmatic bass texture transforms into atmospheric harmonics, pedals, and vamps, inviting Zorn to deliver intricate coils and rebellious shouts that challenge comfort zones.

“Milford Graves” features Zorn working on circular breathing techniques with fast notes over Laswell’s expert ambient treatment. The deep foundational underpinning of the bass brings uncanny feelings, encouraging Zorn to explore inventive phrases, patterned imprints, and circular arches. The result is an atmospheric ride suffused with restless tones.

In “Wayne Shorter”, there’s a mindfulness to melody, and the saxophone lines rest atop an effect-drenched, spaced-out haze that never loses its dark edges and exoteric spirituality. The propulsive, rippling fluxes of the bass invite fabulous interplay as Zorn blows his horn with authoritative power. This duo, with nothing to prove, does great things within experimental free jazz and structured improvisation.

Favorite Tracks:
02 - Milford Graves ► 03 - Wayne Shorter