Bar Kokhba cover

Released 30 years ago

Bar Kokhba

John Zorn · 1996

128 min · 25 tracks · avant-garde jazz

An intricate tapestry of avant-garde jazz woven with Middle Eastern motifs and rich improvisational textures.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration with peaks
  • intricate improvisational textures
  • headphone detail hunting
  • wave-like pacing and flow
  • rich tapestry of sound

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time 'Bar Kokhba' was released in 1996, John Zorn had already established himself as a pivotal figure in avant-garde music through his earlier works like 'Naked City' (1989). This album marked a significant artistic direction, blending traditional Jewish themes with complex jazz arrangements, showcasing Zorn's versatility and deepening exploration of cultural sounds.
Stylistic neighbors
Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow

Tracklist

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

Disc 1

  • 1 Gevurah 6:55
  • 2 Nezikin 1:51
  • 3 Mahshav 4:33
  • 4 Rokhev 3:10
  • 5 Abidan 5:19
  • 6 Sheloshim 5:03
  • 7 Hath-Arob 2:25
  • 8 Paran 4:48
  • 9 Mahlah 7:48
  • 10 Socoh 4:07
  • 11 Yechida 8:24
  • 12 Bikkurim 3:25
  • 13 Idalah-Abal 5:05

Disc 2

  • 1 Tannaim 4:39
  • 2 Nefesh 3:33
  • 3 Abidan 3:13
  • 4 Mo'ed 4:59
  • 5 Maskil 4:41
  • 6 Mishpatim 6:46
  • 7 Sansanah 6:56
  • 8 Shear-Jashub 2:06
  • 9 Mahshav 4:50
  • 10 Sheloshim 6:45
  • 11 Mochin 13:11
  • 12 Karaim 3:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata