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Rating: An additional reinterpretation of selected pieces from the Masada songbook. The uniqueness is that this time the reading is entrusted to the solo guitar, validly inspiring itself from the classical interpretations of Segovia. Breezes, tramontane, hurricanes chasing each other on the nimble neck of the six strings. Who said that a guitar can only execute a single melodic line and cannot exercise counterpoint? We indeed have proof of it right here.
The archangel Zorn has written the magic formulas on paper. Three great contemporary priests showcase their talent as arrangers. In order of appearance monsignor Bill Frisell, his holiness Tim Sparks, his eminence Marc Ribot. They officiate and celebrate the Masada ritual. The booklet says it, quoting "the book of the Angel Raziel":
"Be like a star of the four spirits of the world and be without desire. Wander the world without the desire to utter the name of every spirit. There manifest yourselves suddenly and work as is your inclination. Succeed in every act and work, yet work in purity."
At this point it is inevitable that the magic happens. Music, after all, is an alchemical-mystical process, our chosen spirits have well understood this.
In "Bar Kokhba", roughly at the end of the second CD, Marc Ribot plays a solo guitar version of "Mochin". This album, in a certain sense, thoroughly develops that idea for other pieces. I remember that Masada is an immense songbook (practically a Real Book...) and so for our three heroes there is only the embarrassment of choice. It is interesting to compare the re-readings with other Masada performances, for example with those of the original quartet or the Bar Kokhba group. The overall tone is more subdued and intimate. Certain pieces, like "Kanah" for example, acquire a hidden grace. Others, like "Hodah", take on a romantic tone. The sweet melancholies of "Abidan" will cradle your dreams. The electric unrest of "Katzatz" foreshadows what will be Electric Masada and seems to pick up in a Klezmer key the conversation interrupted by Miles Davis with "Bitches Brew". Avant-garde echoes in "Kisofim".
A bit surprising is that Marc Ribot, whom you probably know as the guitarist for Tom Waits, Elvis Costello and even Vinicio Capossela, plays classical guitar so well too. This album, among other things, has the remarkable merit of bringing together three of the best contemporary guitarists. A bit like at one time for flamenco was the trio of Di Meola, Mc Laughlin, and De Lucia during the era of "Friday Night in San Francisco". This, in a sense, is its Masada equivalent.
Tracklist
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