‘Live In Jerusalem 1994’ is a double-disc set
documenting and celebrating Masada’s trip to Israel and highly raved-about
appearance at the Jerusalem Festival, having in that year only just appeared on
the scene and also laid down material for their first four albums (‘Alef’,
‘Beit’, ‘Gimel’ and ‘Dalet’). The occasion is obviously an important one, to
both the band and the audience, and a sense of this is palpable in the
atmosphere throughout. So whilst much of this music can be easily found on
Masada’s studio albums, the numbers here, and the feeling of each, is powerfully
different, and perhaps even more compelling.
As with the best Masada, the key here is the
tension in the music, and the way it can build, pushing higher and higher,
further and further, with second piece ‘Bith-Aneth’ being a strong example of
this. Beginning subtley and quietly, with the rhythm team of Greg Cohen and
Joey Baron suitably hushed, before Zorn and Douglas play the main theme, and
then start soloing, playing together, and interlocking with each other, and
Zorn continuing to egg Douglas on just that little bit more.
‘Live In Jerusalem 1994’ is a superb live recording of a momentous
performance that throughout it’s two hour running time sounds like an
exhilarating blend of celebration and catharsis. Musically faultless and oozing
raw power, you also benefit from a genuine feel of the connection between the
band and audience – indeed the reception and response from the crowd is
absolutely ecstatic.
If there is too be one complaint made, it is that Greg Cohen’s
normally full, deep, rich and rounded bass is just a little too quiet in the
mix – something that normally would not be too big an issue with most other
groups, but given Cohen’s skill and sound on the instrument, it is slightly
disappointing. Barring this however, the album is a fantastic document, perhaps
the best live recording from their earlier days, and is a must have. Highly
recommended.
*****
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