THE GODDESS - MUSIC FOR THE ANCIENT OF DAYS

One strong release between many coming from John Zorn in 2010. Zorn's music for contemporary jazz band (same acoustic trio,led by excellent pianist Rob Burger, as on Nobleprize Winner, supported by drummer, Harp player and great electric guitarist Marc Ribot).

Music is very modern and classical at the same time - sentimental, melodic and very soulful mix of modern jazz, some classic roots (not too much) and usual Zorn's old films's soundtrack themes.

Comparing with same year's release, Nobleprize Winner recorded by Burger's led trio, this album has stronger jazz-rock element (mostly because of drummer and electric guitar). Some nostalgic vintage jazzy themes are played on more modern manner , framed by fusion drums and even some electric guitars soloing.

Melodies are beautiful,nostalgic,rooted in some Eastern European soul and sadness at the same time, with light touches of usual Zorn's klezmer (but very deep under the skin).

Album, quite similar musically to Nobleprize Winner - if you like one of them, you will obviously will be happy with the other. The Goddess is better choice for for fans of fusion and more rock-oriented sound though. Not very often easy accessible release from John Zorn, and I afraid some could be slightly disappointed by its easy listening moments.

Not the best, but still strong Zorn-related release of 2010. The one for contemporary jazz and pleasant listening lovers. No even traces of avant/experimentation could be found though.

My rating is 3,5 rounded to 4.

My first exposure to JOHN ZORN! Beautiful, hypnotic music which, at times, slides a bit into more of a background/easy listening experience (especially "Heptameron" and "Ode to Delphi"). I don't begrudge the musicians or composer the the sophistication of the music; I find myself feeling as I do while listening to LALLE LARSSON's "Infinity of Worlds" or DAVID MINASIAN's "Random Acts of Beauty:" lulled into a beautiful, peaceful state of enjoyment. Favorite songs include "Enchantress" for its FRED FRITH feel/sound, "Ishtar" for its changes in pace and chord progressions, and "White Magick" for its MAGMA/COLTRANE feel. Overall this album is not quite fresh, challenging, or complicated enough to garner my high praise, but it is a nice album to have in one's collection--especially in that nothing on it is jading or offensive; all of it is pleasant. 3.5 stars marked up for the composer's prolificity.