The Cleansing

In the wake of the COVID-19 lockdowns, two titans of experimental music, John Zorn and Bill Laswell, came together to create "The Cleansing," their first-ever collaborative album. Recorded in real-time with no edits or overdubs, this 46-minute journey into the depths of improvisation is a testament to the duo's chemistry and their shared history, spanning over four decades.

Zorn, renowned for his work in avant-garde and free jazz, teams up with Laswell, a master of the bass and a pioneer in experimental and ambient music. Together, they weave a tapestry of sound that is as intense as it is soulful, drawing from a wide range of influences, from jazz and psychedelia to noise and ambient.

"The Cleansing" is not just an album; it's a meeting of minds, a conversation between two masters of their craft. The six tracks on the album are a testament to the duo's ability to create something truly unique and unforgettable. From the haunting melodies of "Brion Gysin" to the frenetic energy of "The Cleansing," each track is a journey in itself, a testament to the power of improvisation and the magic that can happen when two great minds come together.

The album, released on January 21, 2022, by Tzadik Records, is a must-listen for fans of experimental music, free jazz, and anyone who appreciates the power of improvisation. With its raw, unfiltered sound and its ability to push the boundaries of what is possible in music, "The Cleansing" is a true masterpiece, a testament to the power of collaboration and the magic that can happen when two great artists come together.

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.