Saxophonist John Zorn is the best known New York City
downtown avant garde musician, improviser and composer.
Much of his work is based in jazz, but he has also composed
and recorded modern classical, hardcore rock and soundtrack
music, and sometimes mixes up all of these. Zorn was born
in 1953 and he played the piano, guitar and flute as a child.
At 14 he discovered contemporary classical music and began
composing and home recording. Some of this music has since
been released on his Tzadik label. In college he was introduced
to improvisatory free jazz and began improvising live in
New York in 1974. He became Well known for using duck and
bird calls in his improvisations. In 1977, he and guitarist
Eugene Chadbourne played in an 11-piece group, LoWe and
Behold, playing Frank LoWe's compositions. He also appeared
on some of Chadbourne's late 1970's albums. Zorn released
some independent albums in the 1970s and early 1980s, including
releases on fellow improviser Elliot Sharp's label, Zoar.
Zorn also would conduct improvising ensembles by using "game
theory".
In 1983 Zorn recorded Yankees with guitarist Derek Bailey and trombonist George Lewis. That same year he appeared on the Golden Palominos, an album of avant jazz rock by an all-star downtown ensemble. Also in 1983, Zorn appeared on Hal Willner's tribute to Thelonious Monk, That's The Way I Feel Now. In 1985 he played on Willner's Kurt Weill album, Lost In The Stars. Zorn signed with Elektra-Nonesuch and did recorded an all-star avant garde tribute to Ennio Morricone on 1987's The Big Gundown and a hardcore rock tribute to Ornette Coleman on 1989's Spy Vs. Spy. He also recorded a Sonny Clark tribute called Voodoo, and News For Lulu interpreted various 1960's bop tunes.
Naked City debuted on Elektra Records in 1990 and this group played tightly composed genre-hopping short pieces. Naked City was Zorn (saxophone), Bill Frisell (guitar), Wayne Horvitz (keyboards), Fred Frith (bass), Joey Baron (drums), and Yamatsuka Eye (vocals). In 1991 Zorn formed hardcore band Pain Killer with bassist Bill LasWell and drummer Mick Harris. The first of many Film Works album appeared in 1992. Beginning in 1994 Zorn fronted the jazz/klezmer group Masada with Dave Douglas (trumpet), Greg Cohen (bass), and Joey Baron (drums). From the 1990s through the present Zorn's Tzadik label has been releasing countless associated artists, and large amounts of Zorn's own recorded archive.
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1980s Albums and CDs
1980 Pool Parachute
1981 Archery Tzadik
1983 Locus Solus Tzadik
1984 The Big Gundown: John Zorn Plays the Music... Tzadik
1984 Ganryu Island Tzadik
1985 Cobra Hat Hut
1985 Voodoo Black Saint
1985 The Classic Guide to Strategy Tzadik
1986 Spillane Elektra/Nonesu
1986 The Classic Guide to Strategy, Vol. 2 Lumina
1987 News for Lulu hatHUT
1988 Spy Vs. Spy: The Music of Ornette Coleman Elektra/Nonesu
1989 More News for Lulu hatHUT
1989 Torture Garden Shimmy Disc
1989 Naked City Elektra/Nonesu
1990s Albums and CDs
1991 Guts of a Virgin Japanese
1991 Grand Guignol Avant
1992 Buried Secrets Relativity
1992 John Zorn's Cobra Live at the Knitting... Knitting
1993 Radio Avant
1993 Absinthe Avant
1993 Kristallnacht Tzadik
1994 The Art of Memory Incus
1994 John Zorn's Cobra: Tokyo Operations '94 (live) Avant
1994 Masada, Vol. 1: Alef DIW
1994 Heretic, Jeux des Dames Cruelles Avant
1995 Masada, Vol. 2: Beit DIW
1995 Masada, Vol. 3: Gimel DIW
1995 Nani Nani Tzadik
1995 The Book of Heads Tzadik
1995 Elegy Tzadik
1995 Redbird Tzadik
1995 Masada, Vol. 5: Hei Import
1995 Masada, Vol. 6: Vav DIW
1995 John Zorn's Masada: Live in New York City,... Jazz Door
1995 New Traditions in East Asian Bar Bands Tzadik
1996 Bar Kokhba Tzadik
1997 Euclid's Nightmare Depth of Field
1997 Duras: Duchamp Tzadik
1998 Angelus Novus Tzadik
1998 Masada, Vol. 9: Tet DIW
1998 The Circle Maker Tzadik
1998 Masada, Vol. 8: Het DIW
1998 Downtown Lullaby Depth of Field
1998 Masada, Vol. 10: Yod DIW
1998 Aporias: Requia for Piano and Orchestra Tzadik
1998 The Bribe Tzadik
1998 Music Romance, Vol. 1: Music for Children Tzadik
1999 Masada, Vol. 7: Zayin DIW
1999 Masada, Vol. 4: Dalet DIW
1999 Masada: Live in Jerusalem Tzadik
1999 Masada: Live in Taipei Tzadik
1999 The String Quartets Tzadik
1999 Music Romance, Vol. 2: Taboo and Exile Tzadik
1999 Masada: Live in Middleheim Tzadik
2000s Albums and CDs
2000 Lacrosse (live) Tzadik
2000 Masada: Live in Sevilla 2000 Tzadik
2000 Xu Feng Tzadik
2000 Cartoon SandM Tzadik
2001 The Gift Tzadik
2001 Love, Madness and Mysticism Tzadik
2001 Songs from the Hermetic Theatre Tzadik
2001 Masada: Live at Tonic, 2001 Tzadik
2002 Naked City Live, Vol. 1: Knitting Factory... Tzadik
2002 Hockey Tzadik
2002 Cobra: John Zorn's Game Pieces, Vol. 2... Tzadik
2002 Masada First Live 1993 Tzadik
2002 I.A.O. Tzadik
2002 Hemophiliac Tzadik
2002 Cobra (Double Disc) hatology
2004 Masada String Trio: 50th Birthday... (live) Tzadik
2004 Locus Solus: 50th Birthday Celebration Tzadik
2004 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 4 Tzadik
2004 Masada Anniversary Edition, Vol. 4: Tzadik
2004 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 7 Tzadik
2004 Magick Tzadik
2004 The Classic Guide to Strategy, Vol. 3: The Fire Book [live] Tzadik
2005 Filmworks XV: Protocols of Zion Tzadik
2005 Rituals Tzadik
2005 Sanhedrin Tzadik
2005 50th Birthday Celebration, Vol. 11 Tzadik
1990s Compilation Albums and CDs
1992 Film Works 1986-1990 Tzadik
1992 Black Box: Torture Garden/Leng Tch'e Tzadik
1994 Execution Ground Subharmonic
1995 First Recordings 1973 Tzadik
1996 Film Works, Vol. 2: Music for an Untitled... Tzadik
1996 Film Works, Vol. 5: Tears of Ecstasy Tzadik
1996 Film Works, Vol. 6 Tzadik
1997 Film Works, Vol. 3 Tzadik
1997 Film Works, Vol. 7: Cynical Hysterie Hour Tzadik
1997 Collected Works Tzadik x
1997 Film Works, Vol. 4: SandM Tzadik
1997 Parachute Years, 1977-1980 Tzadik x
1998 Buried Secrets/Guts of a Virgin Earache
1998 Film Works, Vol. 8 Tzadik
1999 Godard/Spillane Tzadik
2000s Compilation Albums and CDs
2000 Film Works, Vol. 9: Trembling Before G-D Tzadik
2001 Film Works, Vol. 10: In the Mirror of Maya... Tzadik
2002 Film Works, Vol. 11: Under the Wing Tzadik
2002 Film Works, Vol. 12: Three Documentaries Tzadik
2002 Film Works, Vol. 13: Invitation to a Suicide Tzadik
2003 Masada Guitars Tzadik
2003 Voices in the Wilderness Tzadik
2003 Unknown Masada Tzadik
2003 Film Works, Vol. 14: Hiding and Seeking Tzadik
2005 The Complete Studio Recordings Tzadik
2005 The Best of Filmworks: 20 Years of Soundtrack Music Tzadik
Albums and CDs - Appearances A-C
Derek Bailey/George Lewis... Yankees (1982) Clarinet, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano), Voices
Derek Bailey With John... Harras (1996) Saxophone, Sax (Alto), Producer, Performer, Executive Producer
Cyro Baptista Vira Loucos: Cyro Baptista Plays... (1997) Saxophone, Producer
Cyro Baptista Beat the Donkey (2002) Saxophone, Executive Producer
Beresford/Zorn/Marshall... Deadly Weapons (1986) Sax (Alto), Clavier, Guitorgan, Choeurs
Steve Beresford Signals for Tea: Steve Beresford,... (1995) Sax (Alto), Vocals (background), Producer, Executive Producer
Mark Bingham I Passed for Human (1989)
Blind Idiot God Undertow (1989) Sax (Alto)
Dougie Bowne One Way Elevator (1998) Producer
Centazzo/Bradfield... Environment for Sextet (2000) Reeds
Andrea Centazzo USA Concerts East (2000) Reeds
Eugene Chadbourne and... Ghost Legends (1977) Engineer
Eugene Chadbourne English Channel (1978) Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano)
Eugene Chadbourne and John... In Memory of Nikki Arane (1980) Clarinet, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano)
Eugene Chadbourne Dinosaur on the Way (1985)
Eugene Chadbourne Boogie with the Hook (1996) Clarinet, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano), Voices
Eugene Chadbourne Vision-Ease (2000) Performer
Vincent Chancey Next Mode (1998) Associate Producer
Thomas Chapin Trio Menagerie Dreams (1994) Sax (Alto)
Thomas Chapin Alive (1999) Sax (Alto)
Danny Cohen/Mike Boner... Self-Indulgent Music: Lunatic... (1998) Producer, Artwork
Anthony Coleman Selfhaters (1996) Programming, Executive Producer
Company Music Improvisation Company, 1968... (1968) Sax (Alto)
Tom Cora It's a Brand New Day: Tom Cora... (2000) Compilation
Albums and CDs - Appearances D-H
Din Sum Clip Job Harmolodic Jeopardy (1997) Producer, Executive Producer
Dave Douglas String Group Five (1995) Liner Notes
Jad Fair and Kramer Roll out the Barrel (1988) Saxophone
Michael Formanek/Tim Berne... Loose Cannon (1992) Liner Notes
Friction Replicant Walk (1994) Sax (Alto)
Bill Frisell Before We Were Born (1988) Arranger, Producer
Fred Frith Step Across the Border (1990) Sax (Alto)
God Is My Co-Pilot Speed Yr Trip (1995) Saxophone
God Possession (1992) Sax (Alto)
The Golden Palominos Golden Palominos (1983) Clarinet, Sax (Alto), Voices, Wind
The Golden Palominos History (1982-1985) (1992) Clarinet, Sax (Alto), Sound Effects, Voices, Multi Instruments
The Golden Palominos Best of the Golden Palominos... (1997) Clarinet, Sax (Alto), Voices
The Golden Palominos Run Pony Run: An Essential... (2002) Clarinet, Sax (Alto), Voices
Keiji Haino Tenshi No Gijinka (1995) Producer
Keiji Haino Unclear Trail: More Than This (1999) Producer, Executive Producer
Keiji Haino and Fushitsusha Allegorical Misunderstanding (1993) Producer, Executive Producer
Half Japanese Band That Would Be King (1989) Saxophone
Half Japanese Greatest Hits (1995) Saxophone
Kato Hideki Hope and Despair (1996) Piano
Kato Hideki/Ikue Mori/Fred Death Ambient (1996) Producer
Jerry Hunt Song Drapes (1999) Producer
Albums and CDs - Appearances I-M
Intergalactic Maiden... Square Dance (1992) Sax (Alto)
Eyvind Kang 7 NADEs (1996) Producer, Executive Producer
Guy Klucesvek Manhattan Cascade (1991)
Makigami Koichi Koroshi No Blues (1993) Producer
London Musicians'... First 25 Years (2000) Performer
Frank London Scientist at Work (2002) Sax (Alto), Executive Producer
Gary Lucas Busy Being Born (1998) Sax (Alto), Executive Producer
Gary Lucas Street of Lost Brothers (2000) Sax (Alto), Executive Producer
Howard Mandel Future Jazz (1999) Saxophone
Medeski, Martin and Wood Bubblehouse EP (1997) Sax (Alto)
Misha Mengelberg Who's Bridge (1994) Producer
Misha Mengelberg No Idea (1998) Producer
Satoh Michihiro and John... Chusingura: The 47 Ronin (1985) Co-Leader
Satoh Michihiro Rodan (1995) Producer, Liner Notes, Engineering Director
Mr. Bungle Mr. Bungle (1991) Producer
Marisa Monte Mais (World Pacific) (1991) Sax (Alto)
Marisa Monte Mais (Blue Note) (1994) Sax (Alto)
Ikue Mori Hex Kitchen (1995) Clarinet, Executive Producer
Ikue Mori Garden (1996) Producer, Executive Producer
Ennio Morricone Film Music, Vol. 2 (1988) Liner Notes
Lawrence D. "Butch" Morris Current Trends in Racism in Modern (1985) Sax (Alto), Voices
David Moss Full House (1984) Clarinet, Sax (Alto), Voices
David Moss Dense Band Dense Band (1985) Sax (Alto), Voices
Music Revelation Ensemble... Cross Fire (1998) Alto
Albums and CDs - Appearances N-P
Napalm Death Noise for Music's Sake (2003) Sax (Alto)
Old Lo Flux Tube (1992) Saxophone, Producer
Seigen Ono Comme Des Garcons, Vol. 1 (1988) Saxophone, Sax (Alto)
Seigen Ono Comme Des Garcons, Vol. 2 (1989) Sax (Alto)
Seigen Ono Nekono Topia Nekono Mania (1990) Sax (Alto)
Pain Killer Talisman: Live in Nagoya (2002) Sax (Alto), Vocals
John Patton Boogaloo (1968) Liner Notes
Big John Patton with John... Blue Planet Man (1993) Sax (Alto)
John Patton Minor Swing (1995) Sax (Alto), Producer
John Patton This One's for J.A. (1998) Producer
Mike Patton Pranzo Oltranzista (1997) Sax (Alto)
Ben Perowsky Camp Songs (2003) Arranger
Joe Piscopo Northern California (1982) Voices, Performer
Valentina Ponomareva Live in Japan (1989) Reeds
Praxis Sacrifist (1994)
Prelapse Prelapse (1999) Sax (Alto), Executive Producer
Prima Materia Peace on Earth: The Music Of John... (1994) Sax (Alto)
Purple Trap Decided.. Already The Motionless... (1999) Producer
Albums and CDs - Appearances R-Z
Marc Ribot Shoe String Symphonettes (1997) Saxophone
Ned Rothenberg Trespass (1985) Sax (Alto)
Ruins Early Works: Live and Unreleased... (1991) Saxophone
Hal Russell Eftsoons (1981) Liner Notes
Ken Schaphorst Big Band When the Moon Jumps (1994)
David Shea Hsi-Yu Chi (1995) Sax (Alto), Executive Producer
Wadada Leo Smith Kabell Years: 1971-1979 (2004) Executive Producer, Author
Ronny Someck and Elliott... Revenge of the Stuttering Child (1997) Producer, Executive Producer
Jim Staley Mumbo Jumbo (1994) Sax (Alto)
Jim Staley Northern Dancer (1996) Sax (Alto)
Carl Stalling Project Carl Stalling Project: Music from... (1990) Liner Notes, Production Consultant
Tenko Dragon Blue (1993) Liner Notes
Violent Femmes HalloWed Ground (1985) Sax (Alto), Sound Effects
Violent Femmes Add It Up (1981-1993) (1993) Clarinet, Sax (Alto), Voices
David Watson Skirl (1999) Producer
Weird Little Boy Weird Little Boy (1998) Keyboards, Saxophone, Sampling, Executive Producer
Hal Willner That's the Way I Feel Now: A... (1984) Clarinet, Arranger, Sax (Alto)
Akiko Yano Akiko Yano (1990) Compilation
Danny Zamir SATLAH (2000) Sax (Alto), Executive Producer
Danny Zamir Children of Israel (2002) Sax (Alto), Producer, Executive Producer
Albums and CDs - Various Artist Appearances 1980s
Improvised Music: New York 1981 (1981) Horn
Lost in the Stars: The Music of... (1985) Clarinet, Arranger, Cello, Conductor, Sax (Alto), Saw, Performer
20th Anniversary of the Summer of... (1987) Sax (Alto)
Live at the Knitting Factory, Vol. (1989) Sax (Alto)
Albums and CDs - Various Artist Appearances 1990s
Rubaiyat: Elektra's 40th... (1990) Performer
What Else Do You Do? A Compilation (1990) Performer
Live at the Knitting Factory, Vols... (1991) Sax (Alto)
Company 91, Vol. 1 (1991) Sax (Alto)
Company 91, Vol. 3 (1991) Sax (Alto)
Confederacy of Dances, Vol. 1:... (1992) Performer
Colossal Saxophone Session (1992) Sax (Alto), Performer
Knitting Factory catalog (1993) Performer
Klezmer 1993, New York City (1993) Sax (Alto)
Yearbook, Vol. 2 (1995) Conductor
State of the Union (Atavistic) (1996) Sax (Alto)
Tokyo Operations '94 (1996) Executive Producer
Ocean of Sound (1996) Performer
Smarnamisa! Resia Valley Music (1997) Executive Producer
Great Jewish Music: Serge... (1997) Arranger, Vocals, Liner Notes, Executive Producer
Drums of Death: Field Recordings... (1997) Executive Producer
Vision One: Vision Festival 1997... (1997) Sax (Alto), Performer
Timebomb: Live at the ClocktoWer... (1997) Saxophone
Great Jewish Music: Marc Bolan (1998) Executive Producer
Critics Picks, Vol. 3 (1998) Sax (Alto)
Celluloid Funk (1998) Clarinet, Sax (Alto), Voices
Hallelujah, Anyway - Remembering... (1999) Clarinet, Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano), Voices, Performer, Executive Producer, Mouthpiece
Visions of Music: World Jazz (1999) Saxophone
Albums and CDs - Various Artist Appearances 2000s
Brain in a Box: The Science... (2000) Sax (Alto)
Chimeras (2003) Producer, Liner Notes
Godard Ca Vous Chante? Tribute To... Performer
Utopia Americana: Compilation Of... Reeds, Composer
October Meeting 1987, Vol. 1 Sax (Alto), Concept
Special Noel (Merry Christmas... Sax (Alto)
1980s/90s Videos and DVDs - Scores
1987 She Must Be Seeing Things
1990 The Golden Boat
1993 Sadistic City
1994 The Art of Remembrance - Simon Wiesenthal
1994 Thieves Quartet
1995 Zigrail
1997 Ecstasy No Namida: Chi-In
1999 Zuflucht In Shanghai aka The Port Of Last Resort
2000s Videos and DVDs - Scores
2001 Trembling Before G-d
2002 A Bookshelf on Top of the Sky: TWelve Stories About John Zorn
2002 Im Spiegel der Maya Deren aka In the Mirror of Maya Deren
2002 Secret Lives: Hidden Children and Their Rescuers During WWII
2002 Shaolin Ulysses: Kung Fu Monks in America
2004 A Bookshelf On Top Of The Sky Tzadik
2004 Masada Live At Tonic 1999 Tzadik
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