From March to May 2015, John Zorn composed 300 new tunes that were eventually collected into a book of music he called “The Bagatelles.” This sixth volume features a pianist who has quickly become a central figure in Zorn’s pantheon of musical virtuosos—Brian Marsella. His trio is one of the most talked about ensembles in the Downtown scene and these fabulous performances are filled with fiery solos, a soulful lyricism and telepathic interplay. A highlight of the Bagatelles Marathons, they perform a dramatic program of driving swingers, tender ballads, free jazz explorations and exotic mood pieces.

Bill Frisell, Kenny Wollesen, and Carol Emanuel are The Gnostic Trio and their unique blend of minimalism, early music, and jazz has resulted in some of the loveliest music Zorn has ever created. “Sing Me Now Asleep” is their first CD in over five years and not surprisingly it explores some unexpected new directions—notably two ambient-influenced pieces in the spirit of Zorn’s Absinthe and Redbird, and a dramatic long form composition in the style of his cinematic file card works. Enhanced by the moody electronics of Ikue Mori on one hypnotic track, this ninth CD in the legacy of The Gnostic Trio is their most gentle and soothing to date, and heralds a striking new musical direction for this beloved super group.

From March to May 2015, John Zorn composed 300 new tunes that were eventually collected into a book of music he called “The Bagatelles.” Volume 7 is a remarkable solo piano performance by Brian Marsella who has become a lynchpin of Zorn’s crew of musical masters. Blending classical and jazz into an exhilarating and varied suite, Brian presents a group of thirteen Bagatelles as a beautiful set of theme and variations. This is piano virtuosity at its finest—a profound exploration into the world of Zorn’s “Bagatelles.”

Composed from 2020 to 2024, “Alea Iacta Est (The Die is Cast)” is one of Zorn’s most challenging masterworks—a complex and varied piano concerto that runs the gamut of moods, styles, and tempi. Performed brilliantly by four of the most trusted and passionate interpreters of his work—the trio of Brian Marsella, Jorge Roeder, Ches Smith, with guest star Sae Hashimoto on vibraphone on one track—this stunning new work is an essential piece of the Zorn puzzle. Astonishing!

From March to May 2015, John Zorn composed 300 new tunes that were even- tually collected into a book of music he called “The Bagatelles.” Volume 8 presents the long-awaited premiere recording of John Medeski’s psychedelic organ trio. Featuring David Fiuczynski (Screaming Headless Torsos) in a striking Hendrix/Blood Ulmer mood and the powerhouse drummer G. Calvin Weston (Ornette Coleman, Lounge Lizards), the music is fierce, imaginative and endlessly creative. Touching on funk, jazz, psychedelic rock, metal and more—this is one of the most intense interpretations of the “Bagatelles” ever conceived. This music will sear your brain!! Essential.

Originally brought together in September 2015 to perform the Zorn “Bagatelles,” Julian Lage and Gyan Riley have become two of Zorn’s most trusted and soulful musical collaborators, having recorded over a dozen CDs of his compositions for acoustic guitars both in duo and in trio with Bill Frisell. “Seven Sonnets” is their sixth CD together as a duo and the music is a lovely series of compositions referencing early music, minimalism, contemporary classical, soundtracks, folk, jazz, and more. Two of the world’s most accomplished and acclaimed guitar virtuosos perform a beautiful book of original music inspired by the Sonnets of William Shakespeare. “Volume One” of Zorn’s musical Sonnets contains some of his loveliest and most intimate creations.

Vadim is one of the most accomplished pianists of his generation, a musician of astonishing range and passion. His newest work tells a story of compassion, empathy, willpower, resistance, sincerity, falsehood, freedom, and the arduous path to it. As a Ukrainian, he is deeply connected to the current events, however the music is not only about the devastating war, it speaks to us all, reflecting on timeless human challenges and the best aspects of our nature. Placing exhilarating piano improvisations in the context of gorgeous compositions for classical string trio, “Perseverantia” is Vadim’s greatest work to date.