Cobra: John Zorn's Game Pieces Volume 2
John Zorn · 2002
70 min · 9 tracks · avant-garde jazz
An improvisational tapestry woven from disparate musical threads, blending avant-garde jazz with global influences and spontaneous creativity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Pendet Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate rhythms and ethereal textures, showcasing Zorn's unique blend of global influences and improvisational flair.
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Sangeh — This piece stands out for its dynamic interplay between musicians, highlighting the collaborative nature of Zorn's game pieces while maintaining a captivating melodic structure.
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Goa Gajah — With its haunting melodies and complex harmonies, this track exemplifies the seamless fusion of traditional motifs with modern improvisational techniques that define the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's innovative improvisation and diverse influences create a distinctive listening experience.
What we noticed
- Each track features a different ensemble of musicians, creating a unique sound palette that shifts dramatically from one piece to the next.
- The album employs a non-linear structure, with improvisational sections interspersed with more composed passages, challenging traditional jazz forms.
- Several tracks incorporate elements from various global musical traditions, blending them seamlessly into the avant-garde jazz framework.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- dynamic exploration of soundscapes
- wave-like pacing with peaks
- intricate textures for deep listening
- spontaneous improvisation encourages discovery
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
- seek predictable song structures
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Explores structured improvisation, expanding Zorn's avant-garde approach.
- Career context
- By the time 'Cobra: John Zorn's Game Pieces Volume 2' was released in 2002, John Zorn had established himself as a pioneering figure in avant-garde music. This album follows his influential work 'Cobra,' which introduced an innovative approach to improvisation through game pieces that allow for collective spontaneity. The release reflects Zorn's commitment to pushing boundaries and evolving his artistic vision during a prolific period in his career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow
Tracklist
- 1 Pendet Start here 4:49
- 2 Tabanan 10:48
- 3 Uluwati 7:28
- 4 Tamangiri 7:51
- 5 Paras 6:07
- 6 Sangeh 11:27
- 7 Penganggahan 10:44
- 8 Raksasa 4:44
- 9 Goa Gajah 6:50
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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