Chimeras
John Zorn · 2010
33 min · 13 tracks · avant-garde jazz
A labyrinth of frenetic rhythms and dissonant melodies that challenges conventional structures while inviting deep listening.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
One Start here — The opening track sets the tone with its brief yet intense burst of sound, encapsulating Zorn's signature approach to immediacy and chaos.
-
→
Seven — This longer piece allows for more development and interaction among instruments, showcasing Zorn's skill in guiding improvisational dialogue.
-
→
Four — With its unique structure and pacing, this track exemplifies the album's exploration of tension and release, highlighting Zorn's compositional intricacy.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalInnovative structures and dissonance define this avant-garde jazz album, showcasing Zorn's unique style.
What we noticed
- The album features a series of short tracks, each varying in tempo and complexity, creating a sense of unpredictability.
- Several tracks incorporate extended techniques on instruments, pushing the boundaries of traditional jazz sounds.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for focused listening
- unpredictable twists and turns
- short tracks encourage replaying
- labyrinthine soundscapes to explore
Maybe skip if you
- dislike non-linear structures
- prefer longer, cohesive pieces
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Deliberate departure from conventional structures in Zorn's catalog.
- Career context
- By 2010, John Zorn was already an established figure in the avant-garde jazz scene, known for his eclectic style and prolific output. 'Chimeras' arrived after a series of collaborative projects and showcases his ability to blend improvisation with intricate compositional techniques, marking a continued exploration of his artistic boundaries.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow
Tracklist
- 1 One Start here 0:55
- 2 Two 2:42
- 3 Three 2:54
- 4 Four 2:05
- 5 Five 1:45
- 6 Six 2:08
- 7 Seven 4:38
- 8 Eight 3:19
- 9 Nine 2:45
- 10 Ten 2:53
- 11 Interlude 1:24
- 12 Eleven 3:18
- 13 Twelve 2:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.