upper waypoint

Jazz Madman John Zorn Is Playing a 15-Show Residency in San Francisco

Save ArticleSave Article
Failed to save article

Please try again

John Zorn performs in Moers, Germany, in 2013.
John Zorn performs in Moers, Germany, in 2013. (Bernd Thissen/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The saxophonist and composer John Zorn is known for merging Jewish music traditions with avant-garde jazz. And death metal. And easy listening, and just about everything else under the sun. His music comprises a prolific canon that he characterizes as “Radical Jewish Culture.”

He’s also known for rarely straying from his home base of New York. But when does leave New York, he brings half of New York with him.

That’s what it might seem like, at least, when Zorn settles in this week for a massive, career-spanning residency at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. Across 15 shows over five days, Zorn collaborates with daring Manhattan musicians like Laurie Anderson and Ikue Mori, and jazz luminaries like Bill Frisell and John Medeski.

John Zorn conducts music from his 'Book of Angels' at New York's Lincoln Center in 2011. New York, March 30, 2011.
John Zorn conducts music from his ‘Book of Angels’ at New York’s Lincoln Center in 2011. New York, March 30, 2011. (Jack Vartoogian/Getty Images)

Some West Coast artists join him on these dates as well. In one Sunday matinee show, Zorn presents his “game” piece of genre and improvisation, Cobra, utilizing hand signals, signs and other cues. That ensemble alone utilizes 14 participants, including Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo, experimental guitarist Fred Frith, Faith No More vocalist Mike Patton and most of the other members of experimental thrash-funk ensemble Mr. Bungle.

Sitting in with several other groups, including the stunning Electric Masada band, is the Santa Rosa-raised guitarist Julian Lage.

Sponsored

Each time John Zorn does a rare residency in the Bay Area, it’s an event. It’s also unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The last time I saw him here, 13 years ago, I walked directly to the box office afterward and bought a ticket to see him again the following night. Don’t say you weren’t warned.


‘John Zorn at 70′ runs Aug. 30–Sept. 3 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. (A solo organ performance by Zorn on Sept. 2 takes place at Grace Cathedral.) Tickets and information here.

lower waypoint
next waypoint