Fantasma

John Zorn, the avant-garde maestro, returns with "Fantasma," a captivating exploration of sound and spontaneity set for release on June 20, 2025, under the esteemed Tzadik label. This 41-minute journey through six tracks is a testament to Zorn's enduring ability to blend classical composition with the raw energy of jazz, creating a sound that is both intricate and free-spirited.

Following the success of "Heaven and Earth Magick," Zorn reassembles his core quartet, this time splintering into new configurations to craft four adventurous pieces. The album features the virtuoso talents of Ikue Mori on electronics, Jorge Roeder on bass, Ches Smith on drums, and Stephen Gosling on piano, each contributing to the album's dynamic cross-genre appeal.

Recorded and mixed in six sessions between January and March 2025 by Duff Harris at EastSide Sound in NYC, "Fantasma" is a product of meticulous collaboration. Produced by John Zorn himself, with Kazunori Sugiyama serving as assistant producer, the album promises a rich tapestry of avant-garde, free jazz, and experimental sounds.

"Fantasma" is not just an album; it's an experience. Each track, from the multi-part "Paradise Regained" to the enigmatic "L’Antitête" and the philosophical "The Philosophy of Weightlessness," invites the audience into a world where classical precision meets jazz improvisation. The result is a collection of music that is as thought-provoking as it is sonically engaging.

For fans of John Zorn's innovative work and those eager to explore the boundaries of genre-defying music, "Fantasma" is a must-listen. It's a bold statement from an artist who continues to push the limits of musical expression.

John Zorn is a boundary-defying American composer, saxophonist, and producer renowned for his eclectic and experimental approach to music. Resisting easy categorization, Zorn's work spans an impressive range of genres, including jazz, rock, classical, metal, and world music, often blending them in unexpected and innovative ways. A prolific artist, he has released a vast discography, including the monumental 11-album box set "The Book Beriah," which features 92 compositions. Zorn is also the founder of the Tzadik record label, a platform for experimental and avant-garde music, and has collaborated with numerous influential musicians. His groundbreaking ensemble Naked City is often cited as a precursor to the jazz-metal fusion genre. Zorn's compositions often incorporate unique structures, such as his celebrated "game" pieces like "Cobra," which guide large, diverse groups of musicians through intricate musical strategies. With a career that has spanned decades, John Zorn continues to be a catalyst for innovation and a major influence in contemporary music.