The Parachute Years cover

The Parachute Years

John Zorn · 1997

372 min · 35 tracks · avant-garde jazz

A labyrinth of avant-garde improvisation blending chaotic soundscapes with moments of serene introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Lacrosse, Take 3 Start here — This nearly 24-minute piece showcases Zorn's unique blend of structured improvisation and free-form expression, setting the stage for the album's overall aesthetic.
  • →
    Archery Rehearsal, Part 1 — This expansive track exemplifies the album's thematic exploration of sound as an art form, allowing musicians to interact dynamically over extended playtime.
  • →
    Hockey (electric version), Take 3 — Offering a stark contrast to acoustic elements, this electric version highlights Zorn's versatility and willingness to experiment with different textures and dynamics.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing rewards patience
  • immersive exploration of textures
  • extended sessions for deep focus
  • surprising variations throughout journey

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer concise, standalone tracks
  • seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — This album represents a radical approach to improvisation, pushing boundaries.
Career context
By the time 'The Parachute Years' was released in 1997, John Zorn had firmly established himself as a leading figure in avant-garde music, following the critical acclaim of previous works like 'Naked City' and 'Spillane'. This album showcases his experimental approach to composition, featuring a series of lengthy improvisational pieces that challenge traditional structures. It represents a continuation of his exploration into genre-blurring and collaborative performance styles.
Stylistic neighbors
Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow
New to John Zorn? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Lacrosse, Take 3 Start here 23:06
  • 2 Lacrosse, Take 4 19:06
  • 3 Lacrosse, Take 6 6:20
  • 4 Lacrosse, Take 1 7:01
  • 5 Lacrosse, Take 2 8:09
  • 6 Lacrosse, Take 5 8:16

Disc 2

  • 1 Lacrosse (Twins version) 30:03

Disc 3

  • 1 Hockey (electric version), Take 1 1:13
  • 2 Hockey (electric version), Take 2 3:13
  • 3 Hockey (electric version), Take 3 11:32
  • 4 Hockey (electric version), Take 4 11:23
  • 5 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 2 3:43
  • 6 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 4 2:46
  • 7 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 11 0:55
  • 8 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 13 1:03
  • 9 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 1 3:11
  • 10 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 3 3:16
  • 11 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 5 1:09
  • 12 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 6 1:01
  • 13 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 7 1:07
  • 14 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 8 0:46
  • 15 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 9 1:23
  • 16 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 10 1:03
  • 17 Hockey (acoustic version), Take 12 1:17

Disc 4

  • 1 Pool, Part 1 17:18
  • 2 Pool, Part 2 16:19
  • 3 Pool, Part 3 17:27
  • 4 Pool, Part 4 4:08

Disc 5

  • 1 Archery Rehearsal, Part 1 32:11
  • 2 Archery Rehearsal, Part 2 16:15
  • 3 Archery Rehearsal, Part 3 28:33

Disc 6

  • 1 Archery, A1-D2 20:35
  • 2 Archery, D2-G1 20:08

Disc 7

  • 1 Archery, G2-L4 23:53
  • 2 Archery, L5-O14 23:30

What to play next

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Euclid's Nightmare

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Masada: Vav
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Masada: Vav

1996
Full John Zorn discography Where to start with John Zorn Artists like John Zorn
avant-garde jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata