Zaebos: Book of Angels Volume 11
Medeski Martin & Wood · 2008
54 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A kaleidoscopic fusion of jazz improvisation and Middle Eastern motifs, weaving intricate soundscapes with rhythmic complexity.
Top tracks — play these first
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Zagzagel — Opening with an infectious groove, this track sets the tone for the album's adventurous spirit while showcasing the band's improvisational prowess.
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Chafriel — This extended piece explores complex rhythms and harmonies, providing a canvas for each band member to shine through dynamic solos and interplay.
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Malach Ha-Sopher — Concluding the album, this track combines haunting melodies with intricate arrangements, highlighting the group's ability to create atmospheric depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions with strong improvisational elements, reflecting its unique fusion of jazz and Middle Eastern motifs.
What we noticed
- Each piece is structured around a central motif that is developed and transformed through improvisation.
- 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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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 journey with varied intensity
- mystical themes and intricate rhythms
- engaging improvisation for attentive listeners
- wave-like pacing invites deep focus
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, predictable structures
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — The album showcases innovative sound and contributes significantly to the avant-garde jazz scene.
- Career context
- By the time 'Zaebos: Book of Angels Volume 11' was released in 2008, Medeski Martin & Wood had established themselves as influential figures in the avant-garde jazz scene. This album marked their ongoing collaboration with composer John Zorn, showcasing a continued exploration of genre boundaries following their acclaimed album 'Uninvisible' from 2002.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Bad Plus· Snarky Puppy· Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Zagzagel 5:24
- 2 Sefrial 4:47
- 3 Agmatia 5:21
- 4 Rifion 4:26
- 5 Chafriel 7:22
- 6 Ahaij 3:42
- 7 Asaliah 4:43
- 8 Vianuel 3:34
- 9 Jeduthun 3:06
- 10 Malach Ha-Sopher 6:51
- 11 Tutrusa'i 5:09
What to play next
Radiolarians I
2008
Continues the exploratory spirit with fresh improvisations and complex rhythms.
Let's Go Everywhere
2008
Sets the stage with a similar fusion of styles and adventurous soundscapes.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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