50th Birthday Celebration Volume 11 cover

50th Birthday Celebration Volume 11

Masada · 2005

201 min · 28 tracks · jazz

An intricate tapestry of jazz improvisation interwoven with Middle Eastern motifs, showcasing the band's virtuosity and cultural depth.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Lilin — This track exemplifies the album's blend of complex rhythms and melodic structures, showcasing both improvisational prowess and cultural influences.
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    Hadasha — The lengthy exploration within this piece highlights the ensemble's ability to weave intricate musical dialogues, reflecting Zorn's inventive compositional style.
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    Idalah Abal — This track stands out for its haunting melodies and deep emotional resonance, capturing the essence of Masada's artistic vision.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • sprawling improvisational journeys
  • intricate melodies that evolve
  • patient exploration of themes
  • immersive listening for deep focus
  • cultural richness in each track

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, catchy tunes
  • need constant high energy

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2005, '50th Birthday Celebration Volume 11' marks a significant point in Masada's career as it celebrates the 50th birthday of composer John Zorn. This album is part of a series that highlights Zorn's unique fusion of Jewish musical traditions with avant-garde jazz, further solidifying his innovative contributions to contemporary music.
Stylistic neighbors
John Zorn· Dave Douglas· Bill Frisell

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Intro 0:59
  • 2 Lilin 12:34
  • 3 Ner Tamid 4:42
  • 4 Karet 3:20
  • 5 Yatzar 9:59
  • 6 Khebar 5:43
  • 7 Eitan 2:01
  • 8 Kivah 9:52
  • 9 Teli 9:54

Disc 2

  • 1 Intro 0:49
  • 2 Khebar 5:22
  • 3 Lachish 3:12
  • 4 Kisofim 9:55
  • 5 Jachin 11:43
  • 6 Kochot 5:06
  • 7 Hazor 9:03
  • 8 Avelut 6:36
  • 9 Lilin 12:45

Disc 3

  • 1 Intro 0:52
  • 2 Khebar 6:13
  • 3 Hadasha 13:01
  • 4 Hazor 10:11
  • 5 Eitan 1:59
  • 6 Karet 3:37
  • 7 Idalah Abal 14:39
  • 8 Teli 9:06
  • 9 Avelut 7:02
  • 10 Bith Aneth 10:44

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata