Friday The 13th 4

The Microscopic Septet - Friday the 13th: The Micros Play Monk (2010) {Cuneiform RUNE 310} (Phillip Johnston)
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© 2010 Cuneiform Records / Phillip Johnston | RUNE 310
Jazz / Progressive Jazz / Modern Creative / Post-Bop / Saxophone

Very few jazz composers have experienced the extremes of acceptance and rejection that were Thelonious Monk's lot. Ignored and rejected early in his career – in part for the oblique weirdness of his piano style, in part for the difficulty and angularity of his compositions, and in part because he was quite clearly mentally ill – he did at least live to see his music given the appreciation it deserved, and his work has only grown in esteem since his death in 1982. Today, his pieces are among the most frequently performed and recorded of any jazz composer; as popularity among musicians goes, his music is on the same level as that of Duke Ellington and Miles Davis.

John Zorn - The Last Judgment (2014) {Tzadik TZ 8325}
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© 2014 Tzadik | TZ 7181 | Tzadik Archival Series
Jazz / Avant-Garde Jazz / Experimental

Featuring the same magical Templar quartet from “In Sacred Blood”, “The Last Judgment” is the final CD in the remarkable Moonchild septology. This project has explored many different worlds in the past 8 years, and this CD takes a moody and lyrical approach with Medeski’s organ fully integrated into the band. Once again inspired by the legend of the powerful Knights Templar and their tragic demise under accusations of heresy in 1307, Zorn has composed a suite of pieces with a strong sense of continuity and emotional impact. Mike Patton draws on every vocal technique in his huge arsenal and the rhythm section of Dunn and Baron are tighter than ever. The last piece of the Moonchild puzzle—essential!

Gil Evans - The British Orchestra (1983) {Mole Jazz MOLE8}
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© 1983 Mole Jazz | CD MOLE 8
Jazz / Post Cool / Electric Cool / Modern Big Band

Although the 13-piece ensemble heard on this CD is comprised mostly of English players, somehow it still sounds like the Gil Evans Orchestra. Evans travelled to England to lead the all-star group in 1983 and altoist Chris Hunter would eventually join Evans's U.S. outfit. Other impressive soloists include John Surman on baritone and soprano and Stan Sulzmann on tenor and soprano while guitarist Ray Russell is showcased on Jimi Hendrix's "Little Wing." The four selections (which also include "Hotel Me," "London" and Thelonious Monk's "Friday the 13th") tend to be a bit overlong but the spirit and enthusiasm of the players (who sound thrilled to be working with Evans) make this a worthy set.