John Zorn - The Concealed Review (Jazz)

"The Concealed" brings together Bar Kokhba and The Dreamers. In this sense, it is the Zornian version of Marvel's The Avengers. The band is composed of John Medeski, Mark Feldman, Trevor Dunn, Joey Baron, Kenny Wollesen and Erik Friedlander. So minus a couple of cats like Marc Ribot and Jamie Saft, these guys are the John Zorn All-Stars. "The Concealed" is a melodically satisfying journey. This is a relaxing adventure that is as cerebral as it is enchanting. While there is much collaboration, the two groups generally trade-off. A Dreamers tune will lean on the jazzy side of things while the following Bar Kokhba song will have a chamber sensibility. While classified as one of Zorn's mystical works, it lacks the harp and orchestral bells that characterize other works in the series like "Vision in Blakelight." Along similar lines, The Dreamers deliver their magical chill vibe but leave the lounge, surf and exotica at home.


With the extraneous elements filtered out, this is a serious, straight effort combining Jewish melodies with jazz and chamber esthetics. For those familiar with the two groups, "The Concealed" offers instant gratification. Indeed, if there's a drawback to be found with this project, it's that there was a missed opportunity for Bar Kokhba and The Dreamers to step outside of their usual paradigms. A refreshing exception to this is, 'The Way of the Sly Man.' A solo piano piece, John Medeski channels Jewish music through New Orleans. It's the music of Zorn -as it would sound if played by Professor Longhair.

When it comes to the recording quality and production, they're both consummate. In regards to the curious packaging, the writing on the digipack case, insert and disc is almost impossible to read unless held to reflect light at a precise angle. So like the music contained within, the text is also 'concealed.' All in all, this is breathtaking music. For those appreciating John Zorn's melodic music, "The Concealed" is pure elation. This sublime project stands as one of his strongest albums and for good reason: it combines two of Zorn's most superlative groups. If you're sitting on the fence with this one, appreciate that "The Concealed" is clearly essential!

Verdict: 100/100

Tracklist:

01 – Persepolis
02 – The Hidden Book
03 – Passage to Essentuki
04 – Pathway of Fire
05 – Towards Kafiristan
06 – Kavanah
07 – Back to Bokhara
08 – The Silver Thread
09 – The Dervish
10 – The Way of the Sly Man
11 – Amu Darya
12 – A Portrait of Moses Cordovero
13 – Visitation of the Night Angels
14 – Life is Real Only Then, When I Am

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