The Big Gundown cover

Released 40 years ago

The Big Gundown

John Zorn · 1986

50 min · 10 tracks · avant-garde jazz

A frenetic collage of avant-garde jazz intertwines with cinematic themes and unconventional structures.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic exploration of themes
  • wave-like pacing with surprises
  • cinematic soundscapes for focus
  • intense listening for detail lovers

Maybe skip if you want

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1986, 'The Big Gundown' was John Zorn's third album, following the critically acclaimed 'Naked City.' At this point, Zorn was solidifying his reputation as a boundary-pushing composer, blending jazz with a myriad of influences. This album further established his unique voice within the avant-garde scene.
Stylistic neighbors
Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow

Tracklist

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

  • 1 The Big Gundown 7:26
  • 2 Peur sur la ville 4:16
  • 3 Poverty (Once Upon a Time in America) 3:49
  • 4 Milano odea 3:03
  • 5 Erotico (The Burglars) 4:27
  • 6 Battle of Algiers 3:50
  • 7 Giu la testa (Duck, You Sucker!) 6:06
  • 8 Metamorfosi (La classe operaia va in paradiso) 4:36
  • 9 Tre Nel 5000 4:37
  • 10 Once Upon a Time in the West 8:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata