3 1/2 stars-- a pure exploration of melody.
Michael Stack | North Chelmsford, MA USA | 06/24/2009
(3 out of 5 stars)
""Alhambra" is an album that will frustrate many John Zorn fans. In its way, it is the pinnacle of Zorn's exploration of the song and melody that has infused the extensive Masada catalog, his later film scores and albums such as The Dreamers. By and large though, each of those projects had something here and there that linked it to the avant-garde, free improvisation, occasional bursts of noise, unusual instrumentation, and so on. But no so with "Alhambra". This is an album of unabashed piano trio jazz, full of melody, countermelody and lyricism. Superbly executed by a trio of pianist Rob Burger, bassist Greg Cohen (on upright and electric bass) and drummer Ben Perowsky, this isn't an album cutting new ground in music as Zorn's best work does, it is new ground for Zorn, and it feels fresh and exciting. While not among his best work, there's a lot to love about "Alhambra".
And one of those things is opener "Mountain View"-- built off a great circular groove by Cohen and Perowsky, Burger's light touch allows the descending theme statement to have a timeless quality to it before giving way to a simply fantastic piano solo, touching off of the rhythm section and exploring outside the melody. Moreover, it sets expectations (largely met) for the rest of the album of great piano trio music, whether hitting a funkier California groove on "Novato" (with a muted electric bassline from Cohen that could have been lifted off a Beach Boys record), gentle and understated as on "Half Moon Bay" (where Cohen steals the show with an almost desperate feel on his solo turn) or the understated melancholy of "Talampais". Admittedly, the record isn't all gems, there's not really a bad cut, but there's a bunch of so-so ones ("Larkspur"), overall it is a satisfying listen.
Six albums worth of "Alhambra" material would get old pretty quick I suspect, but as a record, this one is worth a spin. Recommended for those interested in Zorn's melodic side."
Not what I expected, but one of the best unexpected surprise
crown of indica | saint paul,mn,usa | 05/30/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The product description makes this Zorn album sound like ambient post-rock in my opinion. I was thinking "The Gift" with a more romantic ambience, but instead most of the music seems to be more "upbeat-lounge-jazz" for lack of a better term. I was taken by surprise on the first song, but it turned pleasent almost instantly. It's not as chilled-out as some might believe,but Zorn's heart comes through in beautiful odes throughout the entire album.This would make a GREAT record pressing--gives me the same feelings of comfort as an old Gershwin record.
Sorry for the unsophisticated review, but hey..I call 'em like I hear 'em."
Zorn has lots of albums...this is one of the exceptional one
J. GARRATT | 07/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I think "Alhambra Love Songs" has it all; relentless melodies, perfect musicianship, and the immaculate sound of a piano trio that isn't like some Bill Evans or Vince Guaraldi rip-off. This has the Zorn stamp all over it, but like the peacock feather on the cover, it is light and delicate. The one Zorn album in recent memory that may match this recording in volume is "The Rain Horse." Maybe.
"Alhambra Blues," "Novato," "Miramar," and "Pacifica" sound samples should give you a good impression of the overall feel of this recording. Sure, it's only three instruments. But it's all music. High art. I recommend it."
Track Listings (11) - Disc #1