Masada Anniversary Edition, Volume 5: Masada Rock

Released in 2005 as the final installment of the Masada 10th Anniversary series, Masada Rock represents a significant stylistic pivot within the Masada universe. While previous volumes explored chamber music or solo instrumentation, this set features Jon Madof's Rashanim trio (Madof, Shanir Ezra Blumenkranz, and Mathias Kunzli) interpreting Zorn's compositions through a rock-oriented lens. The album is notable for its 'ethnic surf' aesthetic, blending traditional Sephardic and Ashkenazi scales with the high-reverb, high-energy tropes of 1960s surf guitar and 1980s punk jazz. Guest guitarist Marc Ribot adds additional avant-garde weight to two tracks, further cementing the album's connection to the downtown New York scene. Critically, it is praised for its 'cut-and-paste' energy, reminiscent of Zorn's earlier Naked City project but with a more consistent, groove-heavy focus. It stands as a definitive document of how Zorn's melodic 'songbook' can be adapted to almost any genre without losing its essential character.