Big Gundown 15th Anniversary
As if John Zorn's super-creative take on film composerEnnio Morriconeweren't essential in its first iteration on Nonesuch Records, Zorn is celebrating the album's 15th anniversary with an updated, remastered version. The darker lows and brighter highs make thisGundownclearly superior--with its original cast of characters (Bill Frisell,Arto Lindsay,Diamanda Galas, and many more) sounding alternately darker, sultrier, and more cinematic than ever. Zorn's reticence to record the original album's 10 pieces looks altogether unreasonable, as his genius for adding color and dimension to Morricone's tunes shows profusely. To make this an even better deal, there are six new bonus tracks that featureMarc Ribotas part of an ad hoc string quartet on "The Sicilian Clan" and "Chi Mai," and as sparring partner with British avant guitar godDerek Baileyon the roaring "Svegliatti and Uccidi." This one's magnificently important.--Andrew Bartlett