Hi,
Part of it has to do, I think, with the glut of releases. How many of us, not including Patrice, still keep tabs on the amount of Tzadik/Avant releases that come out?
I'm still checking almost every Tzadik release on a monthly basis and it's still one of the most exciting working labels for me. Exhaustion could make you miss many good releases, which normally are incredibly diversified. Can't say the same about Avant. (not to mention Knitting Factory!). Maybe I am an specific example but I'm under the impression that many people are still interested- basically because you must run to the store not to miss anything, at least here.
Part of the problem has to do with Zorn's releases themselves. In my opinion (coming from someone with limited musical vocabulary), the releases of the last few years don't lend themselves to much discussion anymore.
I insist: IAO deserves much more attention than it has received. I really thought it would be a controversial item. Apparently I was wrong.
Don't get me wrong; I really enjoy listening to Zorn. But in my opinion, his current stuff just doesn't have the same electric energy of the Elektra/Nonesuch years, or the Painkiller albums, or the first three Masada albums (and the chamber arrangements), etc. Back then I would listen with the sensation that a whole new realm was being opened before my ears. It was as if Zorn was always saying, "You ain't heard nothing yet" with every album. But now it seems we've heard everything.
Maybe I'm wrong again but my expectations with Zorn are still very, very high. I sense this "soft" period just as that. His latest period will lead to something else, probably totally different and relatively unconnected to the exotica/lounge/surf material he's touching upon right now. For me, Zorn is the materialization of "expect the unexpected". Pay attention to any recent interviews (if any). They are really prophetic and will give you an overview of what's to come. He gave an interview to a Spanish magazine way back in 1993 and he already made reference to his wish to make a whole album like his piece "Pueblo" ("filworks IV"). Almost a decade ago we are witnessing the results, call it "The Gift", "Taboo..." or whatever.
Perhaps it has to do with the fact that Zorn simply works in too many genres that no one bats an eyelash anymore when he comes out with a surf/exotica album like "The Gift."
It's just another aesthetic proposal. I don't bang my head against the wall with excitement when I listen to "The Gift" but I understand it as the exploration of some musical sources that have been important to Zorn. As such, they are extremely well done, with invention and virtuosism. I understand Zorn's whole career as an Homeric tribute to his vital influences. This could perfectly be his recreation of Martin Denny, Les Baxter or Brian Wilson's music through his own perspective. What's next? I don't know. Just check Naked City's Cd sleeves for instance, and look for names in the inspirations/thanks section and expect anything.
But I think it really is a matter of exhaustion: another month, another Filmworks / Masada album.
As far as I'm concerned, they're more than welcome! Just an opinion. Best regards, Efrén del Valle n.p: JZ "IAO" (I wasn't lying. I love it! :-)) _______________________________________________________________ Copa del Mundo de la FIFA 2002 El único lugar de Internet con vÃdeos de los 64 partidos. ¡Apúntante ya! en http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/fc/es/