For almost two decades, avant-jazz hero John Zorn has overseen the production of a passionate, diverse body of work that induces an intense awe. Few musicians in the jazz world have been as continuously inventive and daring-- or productive-- as he. Those looking for an introduction to his work or those looking to add to their Zorn collection (almost worth a library of its own) would do very well by picking up a copy of this, his latest album.

The Circle Maker is a departure of sorts, in that Zorn does not offer his ample saxophone talents to the performance. For this record, Zorn chose to offer his composition and directional skills, while allowing an impressive array of musicians to interpret his work. Divided into two parts, The Circle Maker features two completely different sets of musicians.

As a whole, the discs showcase Zorn's obsession with his Jewish heritage, effortlessly blending klezmer tonal structures, atonal noise outbursts and classically tinged jazz rhythms. "Issachar" is the more minimal of the two, expertly recorded to allow the spatial textures of the musicians to resonate. "Zevulum" benefits from the added guitar and production, resulting in a more dense listening experience.

Throughout, the music fills a room with wonderfully cinematic music. It is an effect that emphasizes how Zorn is as much a historian and storyteller as he is a prodigal musical talent. Even with a complete lack of knowledge about the specifics of Zorn's lineage, one can't help but feel an undefinable sense of cultural weight behind the work.

-Samir Khan