Watch John Zorn Masada - Live At Tonic 1999

John Zorn Masada - Live At Tonic 1999 is a concert film that captures the performance of a legendary jazz band at one of New York City's hottest venues. Directed by Christina Keating, the film features John Zorn on alto saxophone, Dave Douglas on trumpet, Greg Cohen on bass, and Joey Baron on drums, as they play a series of compositions inspired by Jewish music.

Shot on location at the Tonic club in Manhattan's Lower East Side, the film showcases the band's virtuosity and creativity as they explore the intersection of jazz, klezmer, and avant-garde music. From the opening notes of "Kochot" to the closing chords of "Hath-Arob," the audience is taken on a thrilling musical journey that spans genres, cultures, and emotions.

One of the highlights of the film is Zorn's mastery of the alto saxophone, which he uses to create a wide range of sounds and textures, from soulful melodies to frenzied squawks. His playing is complemented by Douglas' nimble trumpet work, which adds a touch of brightness and clarity to the mix. Cohen's bass provides a solid foundation for the group, while Baron's drumming keeps the rhythms tight and propulsive.

Despite the complexity of the music, the band plays with a sense of joy and improvisation that makes it accessible and engaging to a wide audience. Indeed, one of the pleasures of the film is watching the musicians interact with each other, trading riffs, nodding in approval, and laughing at each other's jokes.

Another standout of the film is the eclectic mix of compositions, which draw from different sources of inspiration, including ancient Jewish melodies, European classical music, and American improvisation. The band plays with equal ease and conviction whether they are interpreting a haunting folk tune like "Beeroth" or a fast-paced bebop number like "Hod."

The film also features several special guests, including Cyro Baptista on percussion, Marc Ribot on guitar, and Jamie Saft on keyboards, who add their own unique voices to the music. Baptista's Latin rhythms infuse "Tevel" with an infectious energy, while Ribot's guitar solo on "Hakhal" is a marvel of technical skill and expression. Saft's keyboard work provides a haunting atmosphere for "Kedem," a slow ballad that showcases Zorn's lyrical side.

Throughout the film, the audience is treated to a visual feast, as the camera captures the sweat and the passion of the musicians as they perform. The Tonic club, with its dimly lit walls and intimate stage, provides the perfect backdrop for the music, making the viewer feel like they are part of the action.

In conclusion, John Zorn Masada - Live At Tonic 1999 is a thrilling cinematic experience that celebrates the power of jazz and the diversity of Jewish culture. With its stellar performances, eclectic repertoire, and engaging improvisation, it is sure to delight fans of both jazz and world music. Whether you are a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, this film is not to be missed.