By the great Suehiro Maruo
Naked City will forever be an unrepeatable and irreplaceable moment in music history.
There's an enigmatic allure that surrounds John Zorn's vast body of work, an ever-expanding landscape of musical exploration that has both captivated and divided audiences over the years. Amidst this expansive oeuvre, one of his most iconic and polarizing ventures remains Naked City—a band that stands as a testament to Zorn's audacious creativity and boundary-pushing artistry.
Naked City emerged as a contemporary experiment, embodying Zorn's reverence for diverse influences while challenging conventional notions of musical expression. With a classic lineup of guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, vocals, and Zorn's signature saxophone weaving throughout, the band embarked on a sonic journey that traversed an astonishing array of genres and styles. Critics might argue it as derivative, but Naked City was far from mere imitation; each composition, whether a cover or inspired original, bore the unmistakable imprint of the band's daring interpretation.
Live performances were where Naked City truly shone. Raw, unpredictable, and at times chaotic, their sets were marked by a fearless melding of structured precision and free-form improvisation. Zorn, both integral member and mastermind, orchestrated from the sidelines, allowing each musician equal prominence in the ensemble's dynamic interplay.
Naked City's live performances were legendary spectacles that showcased the band's daring spirit and unbridled energy. From intimate club settings to sprawling festival stages, each show was a whirlwind of sonic experimentation and improvisational brilliance. The band thrived on the unpredictability of live performance, embracing the rawness and spontaneity that came with pushing musical boundaries in real-time.
One of the defining characteristics of Naked City's live sets was their fearless approach to genre fusion. They seamlessly transitioned from blistering punk to jazz-infused chaos, from serene ambience to frenetic noise bursts—all within the same performance. This fearless eclecticism kept audiences on edge, never knowing what sonic landscape the band would explore next.
John Zorn's role as both participant and conductor during live shows was crucial to the band's dynamic. While his saxophone wove intricate melodies, he also directed the ensemble with subtle cues, guiding them through complex compositions and impromptu detours. This dual role underscored Zorn's visionary leadership, fostering an environment where musical risk-taking was celebrated and embraced.
Throughout their career, Naked City's live performances became synonymous with artistic intensity and innovation. Each show was a testament to the band's commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. It was not just about playing music; it was about creating an immersive experience that transcended traditional notions of performance.
In the broader context of Zorn's prolific career, Naked City occupies a unique place—a moment of convergence where diverse influences coalesced into something wholly original and impactful. While the band's lifespan was relatively brief, its legacy reverberates through the avant-garde and experimental music scenes to this day. Naked City's fearless experimentation continues to inspire musicians across genres, urging them to embrace the unknown and forge new artistic frontiers.
In the annals of avant-garde music history, Naked City remains a pivotal chapter—an embodiment of Zorn's unyielding pursuit of artistic evolution and exploration. To experience Naked City is to encounter the essence of musical rebellion and invention—a reminder that true creativity knows no bounds and thrives on the edge of the unknown.
The band's onstage chemistry was palpable, infused with moments of spontaneity and intensity. Vocal duties shifted between Yamataka's gritty delivery and guest appearances by luminaries like Mike Patton, pushing boundaries of vocal experimentation within demanding musical landscapes. Despite occasional imperfections, Naked City's live recordings captured a unique synergy—an amalgamation of skill, camaraderie, and unrestrained creativity.
Naked City's significance extends beyond their musical prowess; they represent a beacon of inspiration for countless artists to explore uncharted territories. Zorn's evolving trajectory ensured that Naked City, while iconic, was but one chapter in his expansive narrative—an exploration that continually transcended its own boundaries.
For aficionados and newcomers alike, Naked City remains a cornerstone of avant-garde music—a testament to Zorn's capacity to inspire and challenge. Their legacy endures not as a static relic, but as a catalyst for artistic evolution and exploration. In revisiting Naked City's catalogue, one discovers not just music, but a transformative experience—an invitation to embrace the unexpected and redefine the boundaries of musical expression. Exploring Naked City's live recordings is akin to embarking on a sonic adventure—an invitation to witness the collision of disparate genres and the birth of musical innovation. It's a testament to the enduring power of creativity and the limitless possibilities that emerge when artists dare to defy expectations. While the full depth of Naked City's impact may elude mere description, it is an experience that demands to be heard, felt, and savored—a reminder of the boundless possibilities that emerge when creativity knows no limits.
What I present here is something special. Over the years my fascination for Zorn's vast musical web of projects and connections has always brought me back to appreciating certain projects of his, including the things that were done with this band. There are, of course, some very popular non-authorized recordings around but what I present here are infrequent and scarce recordings that need recognition and that bring windows to different times in the band's history. Nineteen different recordings from the very beginning to the very end of Naked City, all carefully preserved, edited and presented in order to be truly appreciated and shared with the world. And while this is not the first time I pay some sort of tribute to the project, this is certainly the first time I've done it in a proper way under my eyes.
I hope these recordings and this post manage to somehow capture and portray the essence of Naked City and John Zorn's innovative approach to music on a fitting way, reflecting the admiration and intrigue people had, have, and most likely will still keep having for this unique ensemble.
Hope anyone interested enough in this particular period of John Zorn's extensive musical history manages to enjoy it to the fullest.
Editing, formatting, some mixing/mastering and all cover arts designed by yours truly.
1988-05-18 - Knitting Factory, New York City, NY
Early Set
1.1. Tuning Up (0:35)
1.2. Inside Straight (10:10)
1.3. Applause & Band Intro (0:23)
1.4. Introduction (0:54)
1.5. Milano Odia (4:33)
1.6. Applause (0:22)
1.7. Introduction (1:00)
1.8. Contempt (7:47)
1.9. Applause (0:26)
1.10. Introduction (1:07)
1.11. The Light on the Dalta (2:22)
1.12. Applause (0:15)
1.13. Introduction (0:37)
1.14. Back in the Earth (4:43)
1.15. Applause (0:10)
1.16. Improvisation (2:38)
1.17. Applause (0:06)
1.18. Chinatown (8:57)
1.19. Applause (0:17)
1.20. Introduction (0:50)
1.21. You Will Be Shot (1:43)
1.22. Applause (0:21)
Late Set
2.1. Long Form Improvisation I (27:22)
2.2. Long Form Improvisation II (21:21)
2.3. Applause (0:13)
2.4. Funny Stuff (12:55)
2.5. Applause (0:08)
2.6. Introduction (0:47)
2.7. You Will Be Shot (1:38)
2.8. Applause (0:05)
2.9. Inside Straight (8:44)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, bandleader/conductor
Wayne Horvitz - keyboards
Bill Frisell - guitar
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
1988-05-20 - Knitting Factory, New York City, NY
Early Set
1.1. Introduction (0:14)
1.2. Cold Blood (4:23)
1.3. Applause (0:11)
1.4. Warming Up (0:55)
1.5. Blues Groove (8:01)
1.6. Applause (0:17)
1.7. Improv / The Sicilian Clan (7:12)
1.8. Applause (0:33)
1.9. Cream (5:02)
1.10. Applause (0:21)
1.11. Introduction (0:57)
1.12. Inside Straight (11:46)
1.13. Applause (0:37)
1.14. Introduction (0:50)
1.15. (Pretty) Lonely Woman (9:52)
Late Set
2.1. Introduction (1:22)
2.2. Zapata (3:56)
2.3. Applause (0:15)
2.4. Taxi Driver (5:31)
2.5. Applause (0:21)
2.6. She Must Be Seeing Things I (2:06)
2.7. She Must Be Seeing Things II (2:19)
2.8. She Must Be Seeing Things III (5:06)
2.9. She Must Be Seeing Things IV (0:47)
2.10. She Must Be Seeing Things V (4:34)
2.11. Applause & Stage Directions (0:37)
2.12. She Must Be Seeing Things VI (4:44)
2.13. She Must Be Seeing Things VII (4:31)
2.14. She Must Be Seeing Things VIII (3:15)
2.15. Applause (0:05)
2.16. Improvisation (6:12)
2.17. Applause & Crowd (0:28)
2.18. Batman (2:08)
2.19. Applause (0:50)
2.20. Batman (Again) (2:05)
2.21. Applause (0:16)
2.22. Funny Stuff (14:10)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, bandleader/conductor
Wayne Horvitz - keyboards
Bill Frisell - guitar
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
1988-10-06 - Knitting Factory, New York City, NY
Early Set Cassette Source 1
1.1. Batman (Take 1) (1:42)
1.2. Batman (Take 2) (2:27)
1.3. The Sicilian Clan (4:07)
1.4. E Cars (8:07)
1.5. Den of Sins (False Start) (0:22)
1.6. Den of Sins (2:46)
1.7. Chinatown (10:29)
1.8. Latin Quarter (7:56)
1.9. You Will Be Shot (1:37)
1.10. Poverty Theme (6:36)
1.11. Reanimator (3:08)
1.12. (Pretty) Lonely Woman (6:49)
Early Set Cassette Source 2
2.1. Introductions (1:43)
2.2. Batman (Take 1) (1:45)
2.3. Batman (Take 2) (2:31)
2.4. The Sicilian Clan (4:17)
2.5. E Cars (9:38)
2.6. Den of Sins (False Start) (0:16)
2.7. Den of Sins (3:22)
2.8. Chinatown (11:03)
2.9. Latin Quarter (9:26)
2.10. You Will Be Shot (1:31)
2.11. Tuning / Intro (0:41)
2.12. Poverty Theme (7:44)
2.13. Reanimator (3:41)
2.14. Reanimator (Volume Adjusted) (3:41)
2.15. (Pretty) Lonely Woman (6:36)
2.16. (Pretty) Lonely Woman (Volume Adjusted) (6:36)
Late Set
3.1. Arto Lindsay Introduction (0:56)
3.2. Warming Up (1:13)
3.3. Funny Stuff (10:48)
3.4. Applause (0:05)
3.5. Introduction (1:17)
3.6. Svegliati e Uccidi (2:48)
3.7. Applause (0:07)
3.8. Introduction (0:16)
3.9. Truth or Dare (11:20)
3.10. Applause (0:12)
3.11. Taxi Driver (10:48)
3.12. Applause (0:05)
3.13. Crowd (0:08)
3.14. Dead Dread (1:17)
3.15. Applause (0:04)
3.16. Tuning Up (0:35)
3.17. Peter Gunn (7:29)
3.18. Applause (0:06)
3.19.Introduction (0:34)
3.20. Zapata (5:14)
3.21. Applause (0:06)
3.22. Introduction (0:46)
3.23. Death Waltz Fantasy (3:20)
3.24. Applause (0:04)
3.25. Introduction (0:14)
3.26. Blues # (9:27)
3.27. Applause / Band Intro (0:26)
3.28. Introduction (0:13)
3.29. Reanimator (2:08)
3.30. Applause (0:11)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, bandleader/conductor
Wayne Horvitz - keyboards
Bill Frisell - guitar
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
1988-10-07 - Knitting Factory, New York City, NY
1. Room Ambiance (0:11)
2. Inside Straight (10:24)
3. Applause (0:04)
4. Introduction (0:33)
5. Reanimator (1:29)
6. Applause (0:04)
7. Introduction (0:17)
8. A Shot in the Dark (2:11)
9. Applause (0:04)
10. Introduction (0:27)
11. Erotico (6:14)
12. Applause (0:04)
13. Introduction (0:12)
14. Den of Sins (1:57)
15. Applause (0:04)
16. Intro (Stripper Story) (1:35)
17. Butoh Stripper (7:27)
18. Introduction (0:29)
19. James Bond Theme (2:45)
20. Introduction (0:22)
21. 21. (7:11)
22. Graveyard Shift (4:15)
23. Applause & Band Intro (0:20)
24. Encores Intro / Tune Up (0:33)
25. Introduction (0:04)
26. E Cars (2:42)
27. Applause (0:06)
28. Applause / Intro (0:30)
29. Zapata (4:17)
30. Applause (0:10)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, bandleader/conductor
Wayne Horvitz - keyboards
Bill Frisell - guitar
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
1989-10-21 - Teatro Cavallerizza, Reggio Emilia, Italy
1. Alessandro Achilli Announcement (0:04)
2. A Shot in the Dark (3:36)
3. The James Bond Theme (3:26)
4. John Zorn Announcement (1:07)
5. Once Upon a Time in America (3:24)
6. John Zorn Announcement (0:51)
7. Contempt (2:47)
8. John Zorn Announcement (1:09)
9. Chinatown (6:59)
10. Batman (1:59)
11. John Zorn Announcement (0:31)
12. You Onluy Live Twice (4:01)
13. John Zorn Announcement (0:46)
14. The Cincinnati Kid (3:09)
15. Band Announcement (1:16)
16. The List of Adrian Messenger (3:38)
17. John Zorn Announcement (0:43)
18. Snagglepuss (1:59)
19. John Zorn Announcement (0:46)
20. Alessandro Achilli Announcement (4:36)
21. John Zorn Announcement (1:40)
22. Graveyard of the Brotherhood (3:40)
23. John Zorn Announcement (0:51)
24. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (1:24)
25. John Zorn Announcement (0:28)
26. The Sicilian Clan (3:46)
27. I Want to Live (2:27)
28. John Zorn Announcement (1:05)
29. Rosemary's Baby (3:54)
30. John Zorn Announcement (0:50)
31. The Godfather (0:27)
32. John Zorn Announcement (0:53)
33. Once Upon a Time in America (5:00)
34. John Zorn Announcement (1:12)
35. Erorico (5:46)
36. Band Announcement (0:20)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, bandleader/conductor
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Bill Frisell - guitar
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
plus
Carol Emanuel - harp
David Weinstein - keyboards, sampler
Cyro Baptista - percussion
Claudia Engelhart - sound engineer
1989-10-22 - Auditorium Flog, Florence, Italy
1. Batman (0:31)
2. John Zorn Announcement (1:12)
3. Snagglepuss (2:19)
4. John Zorn Announcement (0:31)
5. Rapid Shave (5:13)
6. John Zorn Announcement (1:30)
7. Perfume of a Critic's Burning Flesh (0;27)
8. John Zorn Announcement (0:25)
9. Demon Sanctuary (0:40)
10. John Zorn Announcement (0:21)
11. Blood Duster (0:16)
12. John Zorn Announcement (0:21)
13. Speedball (0:43)
14. John Zorn Announcement (0:23)
15. Igneous Ejaculation (0:21)
16. Applause (0:09)
17. Fuck the Facts (0:12)
18. John Zorn Announcement (0:21)
19. Hammerhead (0:10)
20. John Zorn Announcement (0:18)
21. Ujaku (0:29)
22. John Zorn Announcement (0:22)
23. Obeah Man (0:24)
24. John Zorn Announcement (0:31)
25. Jazz Snob Eat Shit (0:27)
26. John Zorn Announcement (0:46)
27. You Only Live Twice (4:09)
28. Alessandro Achilli Announcement (1:39)
29. John Zorn Announcement (0:13)
30. You Will Be Shot (1:21)
31. John Zorn Announcement (0:31)
32. Surfer Girl (2:34)
33. Church Key (2:49)
34. John Zorn Announcement (1:54)
35. NY Flat Top Box (0:37)
36. John Zorn Announcement (0:13)
37. The Way I Feel (8:39)
38. John Zorn Announcement (0:20
39. Saigon Pickup (4:25)
40. John Zorn Announcement (0:59)
41. Lonely Woman (3:42)
42. John Zorn Announcement (1:50)
43. Graveyard of the Brotherhood (2:36)
44. John Zorn Announcement (0:21)
45. A Shot in the Dark (3:19)
46. Band Announcement (0:18)
47. Alessandro Achilli Announcement (0:07)
48. The James Bond Theme (3:19)
49. John Zorn Announcement (0:17)
50. Chinatown (6:15)
51. Alessandro Achilli Announcement (0:46)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, bandleader/conductor
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Bill Frisell - guitar
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
1989-10-31 - Unknown Venue, Trento, Italy
1. You Will Be Shot (1:48)
2. Saigon Pick Up (4:58)
3. The Cincinnati Kid (3:56)
4. Rosemary's Baby (4:09)
5. Jazz Snob Eat Shit (1:09)
6. Perfume of a Critic's Burning Flesh (0:43)
7. Piledriver (0:55)
8. Hawaii 5-0 (2:56)
9. Snagglepuss (3:09)
10. Ujaku (1:05)
11. The List of Adrian Messenger (3:31)
12. Batman (2:41)
13. Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (5:04)
14. Igneous Ejaculation (0:46)
15. Hammerhead (0:31)
16. Numbskull (0:40)
17. Blood Duster (0:34)
18. Torture Garden (0:50)
19. Latin Quarter (4:37)
20. Once Upon a Time in America (Fades Out) (3:00)
21. Graveyard of the Brotherhood (3:14)
22. I Die Screaming (2:50
23. Rapid Shave (6:56)
24. Obeah Man (0:32)
25. Fuck the Facts (0:19)
26. Whiplash (0:45)
27. Blood Is Thin (Take 1) (1:59)
28. Blood Is Thin (Take 2) (1:14)
29. NY Flat Top Box (1:18)
30. Chinatown (8:10)
31. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2:18)
32. Demon Sanctuary (1:09)
33. Victims of Torture (0:42)
34. Speedball (1:07)
35. You Only Live Twice (3:22)
36. Band Intro / Encore Applause (0:38)
37. Skate Key (2:35)
38. Reanimator (2:06)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, bandleader/conductor
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Bill Frisell - guitar
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
1989-12-01 - Durham, UK
Early Set
1.1. Graveyard Shift (4:46)
1.2. James Bond Theme (3:35)
1.3. Igneous Ejaculation (0:34)
1.4. Ujaku (0:35)
1.5. Torture Garden (0:57)
1.6. Blood Is Thin (For Jimmy Page) (2:13)
1.7. Rosemary's Baby (4:15)
1.8. Skate Key (1:56)
1.9. Blood Duster (0:27)
1.10. Jazz Snob Eat Shit (1:01)
1.11. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2:15)
1.12. The Sicilian Clan (3:46)
1.13. The Perfume of a Critic's Burning Flesh (0:35)
1.14. Demon Sanctuary (0:50)
1.15. No Reason to Believe (1:19)
1.16. The Way I Feel (9:30)
1.17. I Die Screaming (2:30)
1.18. Band Intro (0:27)
Late Set
2.1. Hawaii 5-0 (2:54)
2.2. Purged Specimen (2:14)
2.3. Six Gun (2:23)
2.4. Medley Introduction (0:29)
2.5. Gob of Spit (0:17)
2.6. Mary T (0:15)
2.7. The Blade (0:47)
2.8. Victims of Torture (0:50)
2.9. Piledriver (1:15)
2.10. The List of Adrian Messenger (3:00)
2.11. You Will Be Shot (1:46)
2.12. NY Flat Top Box (0:56)
2.13. Fuck the Facts (0:21)
2.14. Obeah Man (0:40)
2.15. Numbskull (0:44)
2.16. Hammerhead (0:28)
2.17. Whiplash (0:29)
2.18. Rapid Shave (9:00)
2.19. Bone Orchard (For John Bonham) (3:30)
2.20. A Shot in the Dark (4:07)
2.21. In My Room (3:08)
2.22. Speedball (0:59)
2.23. The Ways of Pain (0:53)
2.24. Goodnight / Band Intro / Encore Applause (0:42)
2.25.Taxi Driver (Fades Out) (7:51)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, bandleader/conductor
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Bill Frisell - guitar
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
1989-12-31 - The Puck Building, New York City, NY
Set 1
1. Crowd (0:45)
2. Band Introductions (1:16)
3. Set Introduction (2:15)
4. Thrash Jazz Assassin (1:07)
5. Ujaku (0:56)
6. Medley Intro (0:32)
7. Gob of Spit (0:16)
8. Merry T (0:20)
9. The Blade (0:49)
10. Perfume of a Critic's Burning Flesh (0:50)
11. NY Flat Top Box (1:10)
12. No Reason to Believe (1:07)
13. You Will Be Shot (1:35)
14. Applause / Eye Leaves (0:36)
15. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2:08)
16. Saigon Pickup (5:07)
17. The List of Adrian Messenger (3:40)
18. Torture Garden (1:43)
19. Rapid Shave (7:33)
20. Jazz Snob Eat Shit (1:32)
21. Intro (1:36)
22. In My Room (2:49)
23. Snagglepuss (3:09)
24. You Only Live Twice (3:41)
25. Eye Intro (0:49)
26. I Die Screaming (2:27)
27. Igneous Ejaculation (1:00)
28. Demon Sanctuary (1:21)
29. Rant (0:43)
30. Obeah Man (1:01)
31. Intro (0:28)
32. Zorn & Eye Duo Improvisation (1:00)
33. Baby Doll (7:26)
34. Intro (0:48)
35. Punk China Doll (2:25)
36. Baja (2:32)
37. Band Intro (End of 1st Set) (1:07)
Set 2
38. Warming Up (2nd Set) (1:25)
39. Taila (4:16)
40. Graveyard Shift (4:42)
41. Slan (Take 1) (1:01)
42. Slan (Take 2) (0:53)
43. Blood Duster (Take 1) (1:11)
44. Blood Duster (Take 2) (0:26)
45. Kaoru (1:21)
46. Eye Leaves / Jack Lord Intro (0:40)
47. Hawaii 5-0 (2:21)
48. Latin Quarter (4:18)
49. Skatekey (2:05)
50. Rosemary's Baby (4:35)
51. Eye Arrives (0:27)
52. Blunt Instrument (1:46)
53. Hammerhead (0:38)
54. Fuck the Facts (0:31)
55. Victims of Torture (0:58)
56. Piledriver (0:46)
57. Bone Orchard (3:34)
58. Eye Leaves (0:23)
59. Graveyard of the Brotherhood (4:04)
60. Batman (2:21)
61. The Yodel (7:31)
62. Eye Returns (1:03)
63. Purged Specimen (1:18)
64. Cairo Chop Shop (1:14)
65. The Ways of Pain (1:17)
66. Numbskull (0:32)
67. Blood Is Thin (1:54)
68. Whiplash (0:54)
69. Speedball (1:17)
70. The Mystery Song (5:31)
71. Band Intro / Happy New Year (1:12)
72. A Shot in the Dark (3:33)
73. Encore Applause / Intro (0:58)
74. Chinatown (6:16)
75. Band Intro (1:01)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, whistle, duck calls, bandleader
Bill Frisell - guitar
Wayne Horwitz - keyboards
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
Yamatsuka Eye - vocals
1990-03-30 - Forum Picoas, Lisboa, Portugal
1. Introduction (1:18)
2. Snagglepuss (2:49)
3. The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (2:36)
4. Torture Garden (1:47)
5. Blunt Instrument (1:19)
6. Blood Duster (0:40)
7. Ujaku (0:53)
8. The Prestidigitator (Take 1) (1:47)
9. The Prestidigitator (Take 2) (1:58)
10. Batman (2:37)
11. Latin Quarter (4:28)
12. Back in the Earth (4:44)
13. Graveyard of the Brotherhood (5:08)
14. You Will Be Shot (2:13)
15. No Reason to Believe (0:58)
16. NY Flat Top Box (1:23)
17. Speedfreaks (Take 1) (1:23)
18. Speedfreaks (Take 2) (1:29)
19. Rapid Shave (8:29)
20. The List of Adrian Messenger (4:12)
21. The perfume of a Critic's Burning Flesh (0:54)
22. Gob of Spit (0:47)
23. Thrash Jazz Assassin (1:15)
24. A Shot in the Dark (4:46)
25. Taila (5:17)
26. Demon Sanctuary (1:20)
27. Speedball (1:01)
28. Hawaii 5-0 (2:28)
29. Saigon Pickup (5:20)
30. Numbskull (0:56)
31. Obeah Man (0:30)
32. Fuck the Facts (0:30)
33. Hammerhead (0:34)
34. Dead Spot (Take 1) (1:09)
35. Dead Spot (Take 2) (0:43)
36. Dead Spot (Take 3) (1:29)
37. Dead Spot (Take 4) (0:46)
38. James Bond Theme (4:01)
39. Band Intro / Encore Applause (1:52)
40. I Die Screaming (2:21)
41. Speedfreaks (Again) (1:40)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, bandleader/conductor
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Bill Frisell - guitar
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
1990-07-19 - Casino, Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux
1. Preparing (0:34)
2. Radio Intro (0:36)
3. Preparing (0:23)
4. Osaka Bondage (3:44)
5. Blood Is Thin (2:04)
6. Igneous Ejaculation (1:19)
7. Ujaku (1:22)
8. Thrash Jazz Assassin (1:05)
9. NY Flat Top Box (1:20)
10. Announcing Shang Kuan Ling-Feng (1:15)
11. Shang Kuan Ling-Feng I (1:34)
12. Shang Kuan Ling-Feng II (1:20)
13. Talking (0:42)
14. Sunset Surfer (3:45)
15. Snagglepuss (3:01)
16. James Bond Theme (3:27)
17. Asylum (3:02)
18. Mystery Song (4:56)
19. Punk China Doll (3:40)
20. Hawaii 5-0 (3:35)
21. Band Introduction (1:30)
22. Rapid Shave (9:32)
23. Talking (0:43)
24. Numbskull (1:45)
25. Demon Sanctuary (0:56)
26. Hammerhead (0:37)
27. Talking (0:44)
28. Blunt Instrument (1:13)
29. Talking (0:53)
30. Bonehead (1:14)
31. Talking (0:47)
32. Dead Spot (0:44)
33. Talking (1:16)
34. Slan (0:43)
35. Victims of Torture (0:58)
36. Sack of Shit (1:27)
37. Taila (5:07)
38. Graveyard Shift (4:30)
39. Announcing Speed Freaks (1:19)
40. Speed Freaks (1:00)
41. Speed Freaks (Faster Tempo) II (1:02)
42. Announcing Torture Garden (0:42)
43. Torture Garden (0:36)
44. Band Introduction / Audience Clapping (0:36)
45. Preparing for the Encore (1:34)
46. Bone Orchard (4:04)
47. Jingi No Hakaba (6:05)
48. Radio Interview (9:25)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, bandleader/conductor
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Bill Frisell - guitar
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
1991-04-20 - Park West, Chicago, IL
1. Intro & Band Onstage (1:48)
2. Sack of Shit (0:56)
3. Ujaku (0:40)
4. Demon Sanctuary (0:46)
5. Bonehead (1:39)
6. Blood Duster (0:29)
7. Jazz Snob Eat Shit (1:06)
8. Osaka Bondage (2:09)
9. Hawaii 5-0 (2:44)
10. Asylum (For Charles Mingus) (2:31)
11. Bone Orchard (For John Bonham) (6:36)
12. Triggerfingers (5:26)
13. Thirty Second Improv (0:42)
14. Blunt Instrument (1:06)
15. Slan (1:32)
16. Blood Is Thin (For Jimmy Page) (1:18)
17. String Changing & Adverts (2:55)
18. Torture Garden (0:59)
19. Speedfreaks (1:54)
20. Hellraiser (1:07)
21. Pistol Whipping (1:01)
22. Graveyard of the Brotherhood (5:18)
23. Taila (4:55)
24. A Night in Tunisia (3:00)
25. Pet Sounds (4:29)
26. Intro (1:52)
27. Prelude No 2, Opus 74 (Tres Lent, Contemplatif) (2:02)
28. Prelude No 3, Opus 74 (Allegro Drammatico) (0:58)
29. Skatekey (1:54)
30. Rapid Shave (9:46)
31. Chicago Record Store Adverts (1:07)
32. Shock Corridor (1:30)
33. Numbskull (1:23)
34. Thrash Jazz Assassin (1:05)
35. Fuck the Facts (0:16)
36. Dead Spot (1:11)
37. Victims of Torture (0:48)
38. Shangkuan Ling-Feng (1:13)
39. Intro & Advert (1:34)
40. Sex Fiend (4:12)
41. Once Upon a Time in America (4:21)
42. I Die Screaming (3:02)
43. Encore Applause / Thank You (0:40)
44. Tuning / Intro (1:20)
45. Sunset Surfer (3:37)
46. Band Mulling About & Intro (1:05)
47. Batman (2:44)
48. The Prestidigitator (1:08)
49. Igneous Ejaculation (1:27)
50. Facelifter (1:15)
51. Our Man Flint (3:07)
52. Applause / Band Intro (0:29)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, bandleader/conductor
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Bill Frisell - guitar
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
1992-04-09 - The Marquee, New York City, NY (Incomplete)
1. Leng Tch'e (30:19)
2. Strange Cargo (8:40)
3. Asylum (2:45)
4. Terkmani Teepe (4:40)
5. Party Girl (False Start) (1:23)
6. Party Girl (3:09)
7. Sunset Surfer (4:49)
8. Shock Corridor (1:37)
9. Igneous Ejaculation (0:47)
10. Slan (1:05)
11. Speedfreaks (1:32)
12. Bonehead (1:48)
13. Piledriver (1:16)
14. Blood Duster (1:01)
15. Poisonhead (1:50)
16. The Catacombs (5:14)
17. Thrash Jazz Assassin (1:42)
18. Hellraiser (2:26)
19. Dead Spot (1:17)
20. Sack of Shit (1:54)
21. Metal Tov (3:10)
22. Once Upon a Time in America (3:58)
23. Snagglepuss (2:54)
24. The Yodel (Cut) (8:16)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, conductor
Bill Frisell - guitar
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
Yamatsuka Eye - vocals
Kevin Sharp - guest vocals on Leng Tch'e
1992-04-26 - Stadttheater Kleine Bühne, Basel
1. Razorwire (10:25)
2. Sunset Surfer (4:11)
3. Metal Tov (4:30)
4. Triggerfingers (6:25)
5. Terkmani Teepe (8:00)
6. Asylum (2:40)
7. Sex Fiend (6:22)
8. Jezebel (Walter Shanklin) (3:48)
9. The Outsider (Knuckleheads) (3:00)
10. Party Girl (3:50)
11. Strange Cargo (William Orbit) (9:20)
12. Eye Comes In / Osaka Bondage (2:30)
13. Poisonhead (2:04)
14. I Die Screaming (3:35)
15. Leng Tch'e (1st Part) (28:40)
16. Leng Tch'e (2nd Part) (9:14)
17. The Vault (7:17)
18. Thundercrack (American Psycho) (9:59)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, conductor
Bill Frisell - guitar
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
Yamatsuka Eye - vocals
1. Intro (3:16)
2. Leng Tch'e (23:01)
3. Unknown (8:10)
4. Razorwire (9:02)
5. Metal Tov (4:55)
6. Jezebel (4:30)
7. Knucklehead (2:54)
8. Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer (8:59)
9. Devil's Island (6:32)
10. Talking (1:03)
11. Lacrosse (9:46)
12. Strange Cargo (10:20)
13. Prophetiae Sybillarum (1:24)
14. Osaka Bondage (2;11)
15. Facelifter (1:31)
16. Thrash Jazz Assassin (1:05)
17. Zorn & Eye Duo (0:43)
18. Kaoru (1:36)
19. Speedfreaks (0:49)
20. Speedfreaks (Again) (1:31)
21. Dead Spot (0:52)
22. The Catacombs (5:16)
23. Shock Corridor (1:15)
24. Hellraiser (1:02)
25. Bonehead (1:09)
26. Blood Is Thin (1:16)
27. Shangkuan Ling-Feng (0:44)
28. Blunt Instrument (1:36)
29. A Night in Tunisia (5:01)
30. Poisonhead (1:46)
31. Thundercrack (5:18)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, conductor
Bill Frisell - guitar
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
Yamatsuka Eye - vocals
1993-09-15 - Knitting Factory, New York City, NY
Early Show
1.1. Chronological Announcement (0:35)
1.2. Batman (2:27)
1.3. Latin Quarter (4:56)
1.4. The Sicilian Clan (3:54)
1.5. Snagglepuss (4:28)
1.6. James Bond Theme (4:16)
1.7. The Cage (Take 1) (2:04)
1.8. The Cage (Take 2) (1:22)
1.9. Eye Arrives (1:07)
1.10. Igneous Ejaculation (0:54)
1.11. Hammerhead (0:21)
1.12. Ujaku (0:45)
1.13. Blood Duster (0:27))
1.14. S&M Sniper (False Start) (0:54)
1.15. S&M Sniper (0:32)
1.16. NY Flat Top Box (1:21)
1.17. Demon Sanctuary (1:12)
1.18. Billy Liar (Take 1) (0:33)
1.19. Billy Liar (Take 2) (1:01)
1.20. You Will Be Shot (1:58)
1.21. Obeah Man (1:03)
1.22. Dead Dread (1:37)
1.23. Speedball (1:06)
1.24. Fuck the Facts (0:26)
1.25. Punk China Doll (False Start) (1:05)
1.26. Punk China Doll (2:49)
1.27. Back in the Earth (5:06)
1.28. Eye Leaves (0:41)
1.29. A Shot in the Dark (3:01)
1.30. The Way I Feel (11:02)
1.31. Tuning Up (1:01)
1.32. Contempt (3:15)
1.33. Request Set Announcement (0:55)
1.34. Chinatown (7:53)
1.35. Metal Tov (4:18)
Late Show
2.1. Tuning Up (0:51)
2.2. Graveyard Shift (5:21)
2.3. Chronological Announcement / Band Intro (1:00)
2.4. I Want to Live (2:26)
2.5. Reanimator (Take 1) (1:49)
2.6. Reanimator (Take 2) (2:18)
2.7. Blues Groove (8:59)
2.8. Lonely Woman (5:48)
2.9. Surfer Girl (2:17)
2.10. Church Key (4:26)
2.11. Inside Straight (10:20)
2.12. Eye Returns (1:11)
2.13. Blunt Instrument (1:10)
2.14. Hecklers (0:30)
2.15. Victims of Torture (Take 1) (0:22)
2.16. Victims of Torture (Take 2) (0:40)
2.17. Numbskull (0:34)
2.18. Perfume of a Critic's Burning Flesh (0:48)
2.19. Skatekey (1:38)
2.20. Zapata (4:46)
2.21. Erotico (5:50)
2.22. Torture Garden (0:56)
2.23. Piledriver (1:24)
2.24. Whiplash (Take 1) (0:38)
2.25. Whiplash (Take 2) (0:42)
2.26. Kaoru (1:31)
2.27. The Ways of Pain (0:50)
2.28. Thrash Jazz Assassin (1:12)
2.29. I Die Screaming (2:56)
2.30. Taxi Driver (7:43)
2.31. Metal Tov (4:44)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, conductor
Bill Frisell - guitar
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
Yamatsuka Eye - vocals
1993-09-16 - Knitting Factory, New York City, NY
Early Show
1.1. Introduction (0:48)
1.2. A Night in Tunisia (2:41)
1.3. The Mystery Song (5:08)
1.4. Saigon Pickup (4:57)
1.5. Asylum (False Start) (0:35)
1.6. Asylum (For Charles Mingus) (2:28)
1.7. Preludes Op. 74, No 2: Tres lent, contemplatiff (3:05)
1.8. Preludes Op. 74, No 3: Allegro drammatico (1:02)
1.9. Baby Doll (9:08)
1.10. Sunset Surfer (4:02)
1.11. Bone Orchard (For John Bonham) (5:35)
1.12. Dreamsville (7:08)
1.13. The Cincinnati Kid (5:10)
1.14. Eye on Stage (0:34)
1.15. Blood Is Thin (For Jimmy Page) (1:41)
1.16. Slan (0:54)
1.17. NY Flat Top Box (1:30)
1.18. Ujaku (False Start) (0:16)
1.19. Ujaku (1:05)
1.20. Blunt Instrument (1:03)
1.21. Numbskull (0:54)
1.22. Speedball (1:58)
1.23. Speedfreaks (0:54)
1.24. Kaoru (1:25)
1.25. Victims of Torture (1:07)
1.26. Pistol Whipping (1:56)
1.27. Shangkuan Ling-Feng (1:16)
1.28. Graveyard Shift (5:29)
1.29. Applause / Band Introductions (0:29)
1.30. Request Set Announcement (0:49)
1.31. Once Upon a Time in America (3:28)
1.32. Applause ~ Band Outro (0:21)
Late Show
2.1. Broken Shadows (7:29)
2.2. Snagglepuss (3:08)
2.3. Body Heat (7:27)
2.4. Taila (4:18)
2.5. Eye Introduction (0:54)
2.6. Prophetiae Sybillarum (3:08)
2.7. Osaka Bondage (2:04)
2.8. Igneous Ejaculation (0:40)
2.9. Demon Sanctuary (0:58)
2.10. Thrash Jazz Assassin (1:11)
2.11. Obeah Man (0:56)
2.12. Yoshimi Introduction (0:42)
2.13. Bonehead (1:22)
2.14. Dead Spot (0:46)
2.15. Fuck the Facts (0:13)
2.16. Hammerhead (0:28)
2.17. Piledriver (1:13)
2.18. Facelifter (1:22)
2.19. Gob of Spit (2:05)
2.20. I Die Screaming (4:06)
2.21. Tuning Before Encores (End of Cassette) (0:32)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, conductor
Bill Frisell - guitar
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
Yamatsuka Eye - vocals
& special guest
Yoshimi P-We - vocals (Late Show)
1993-09-17 - Knitting Factory, New York City, NY (Early Show)
Source 1
1.1. Leng Tch'e (35:42)
1.2. Applause (0:57)
1.3.Crowd Noise & Warming Up (1:06)
1.4. Strange Cargo (9:45)
1.5. Applause (0:24)
1.6. Intro (0:54)
1.7. The Yodel (10:20)
1.8. Applause (0:17)
1.9. Intro (0:49)
1.10. Pet Sounds (3:00)
1.11. Applause (0:27)
1.12. The List of Adrian Messenger (2:52)
1.13. Applause (0:29)
1.14. Intro (0:39)
1.15. Metal Tov (4:08)
1.16. Applause (0:22)
1.17. Intro (0:29)
1.18. The Bad & The Beautiful (2:15)
1.19. Applause (0:16)
1.20. Intro (0:31)
1.21. Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer (5:57)
1.22. Applause, Eye Returns (0:51)
1.23. Shangkuan Ling-Feng (0:59)
1.24. Applause (0:26)
1.25. Sack of Shit (0:50)
1.26. Applause (0:17)
1.27. Kaoru (0:55)
1.28. Applause (0:13)
1.29. Thrash Jazz Assassin (0:41)
1.30. Applause (0:25)
1.31. Dead Spot (0:32)
1.32. Applause (0:29)
1.33. Hellraiser (0:47)
1.34. Applause (0:15)
1.35. Intro (& Outro) (0:22)
1.36. The Prestidigitator (0:46)
1.37. Applause (0:09)
1.38. Pistol Whipping (0:44)
1.39. End of Set (0:39)
Source 2
2.1. Leng Tch'e (37:39)
2.2. Strange Cargo (10:50)
2.3. The Yodel (11:30)
2.4. Pet Sounds (4:10)
2.5. The List of Adrian Messenger (3:23)
2.6. Metal Tov (5:21)
2.7. The Bad and The Beautiful (3:12)
2.8. Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer (6:51)
2.9. Shangkuan Ling-Feng (1:52)
2.10. Sack of Shit (1:19)
2.11. Kaoru (1:13)
2.12. Thrash Jazz Assassin (0:55)
2.13. Dead Spot (0:58)
2.14. Hellraiser (1:21)
2.15. The Prestidigitator (1:22)
2.16. Pistol Whipping (1:27)
Source 3
3.1. Leng Tch'e (36:14)
3.2. Applause (0:56)
3.3. Crowd Noise & Warming Up (1:08)
3.4. Strange Cargo (9:53)
3.5. Applause (0:24)
3.6. Intro (0:55)
3.7. The Yodel (10:26)
3.8. Applause (0:22)
3.9. Intro (0:45)
3.10. Pet Sounds (3:02)
3.11. Applause (0:29)
3.12. The List of Adrian Messenger (2:52)
3.13. Applause (0:29)
3.14. Intro (0:39)
3.15. Metal Tov (4:09)
3.16. Applause (0:23)
3.17. Intro (0:29)
3.18. The Bad & The Beautiful (2:16)
3.19. Applause (0:16)
3.20. Intro (0:32)
3.21. Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer (5:59)
3.22. Applause / Eye Back on Stage (0:52)
3.23. Shangkuan Ling-Feng (0:59)
3.24. Applause (0:26)
3.25. Sack of Shit (0:51)
3.26. Applause (0:11)
3.27. Kaoru (1:01)
3.28. Applause (0:13)
3.29. Thrash Jazz Assassin (0:41)
3.30. Applause (0:26)
3.31. Dead Spot (0:32)
3.32. Applause (0:29)
3.33. Hellraiser (0:47)
3.34. Applause (0:15)
3.35. Intro (& Outro) (0:22)
3.36. The Prestidigitator (0:56)
3.37. Applause (0:09)
3.38. Pistol Whipping (0:44)
3.39. End of Set (0:48)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, conductor
Bill Frisell - guitar
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
Yamatsuka Eye - vocals
Kevin Sharp - guest vocals on Leng Tch'e
1993-09-18 - Knitting Factory, New York City, NY
Early Show
1.1. Introduction (0:24)
1.2. Grand Guignol (24:34)
1.3. Rapid Shave (14:24)
1.4. The Vault (4:33)
1.5. Osaka Bondage (2:05)
1.6. Hellraiser (1:30)
1.7. Dead Spot (0:49)
1.8. Kaoru (1:30)
1.9. Thrash Jazz Assassin (1:08)
1.10. Bonehead (1:16)
1.11. Pistol Whipping (1:18)
1.12. Shock Corridor (1:22)
1.13. The Prestidigitator (1:18)
1.14. Sack of Shit (0:53)
1.15. DNA Intro (0:37)
1.16. Lying on the Sofa of Life (3:07)
1.17. Jack Smith Intro (0:51)
1.18. Jezebel (4:50)
1.19. The Outsider (4:20)
1.20. Sunset Surfer (4:53)
1.21. Bone Orchard (For John Bonham) (4:59)
1.22. Improvisation (2:42)
1.23. Mr. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (5:37)
Late Show
2.1. Introduction (Cut) (0:15)
2.2. Louange à l'éternité de Jésus (8:37)
2.3. Erotico (5:48)
2.4. Pet Sounds (3:36)
2.5. Taila (5:15)
2.6. Asylum (2:29)
2.7. Henry, Portrait of a Serial Killer (7:46)
2.8. Inside Straight (11:58)
2.9. Yamatsuka Eye Arrives on Stage (1:19)
2.10. Super Stupid (6:37)
2.11. Pigfucker (1:44)
2.12. New Jersey Scum Swamp (1:12)
2.13. Demon Sanctuary (0:57)
2.14. Intro (0:17)
2.15. Hammerhead (0:17)
2.16. Intro (0:25)
2.17. Speedfreaks (1:02)
2.18. Igneous Ejaculation Intro (0:18)
2.19. Happy Birthday (Surprise by the Band!) (0:40)
2.20. Igneous Ejaculation (0:30)
2.21. Jazz Snob Eat Shit (1:12)
2.22. Intro (0:45)
2.23. No Reason to Believe (0:40)
2.24. Slan (1:02)
2.25. Blood Is Thin (For Jimmy Page) (1:22)
2.26. Shangkuan Ling-Feng (1:29)
2.27. Gob of Spit (0:59)
2.28. Eye Leaves (0:43)
2.29. Chinatown (8:55)
2.30. Metal Tov (5:05)
2.31. Latin Quarter (4:45)
2.32. Intro (Damaged) (0:53)
2.33. You Only Live Twice (4:24)
2.34. Encore Applause (2:16)
2.35. Eye Returns to the Stage (0:47)
2.36. A Shot in the Dark (3:50)
2.37. DNA Intro (0:52)
2.38. Lying on the Sofa of Life (2:07)
2.39. Applause / Eye Leaves (0:29)
2.40. The Bad & The Beautiful (3:03)
2.41. Applause / End of Naked City (0:58)
John Zorn - alto saxophone, arranger, conductor
Bill Frisell - guitar
Wayne Horvitz - piano, keyboards
Fred Frith - bass
Joey Baron - drums
Yamatsuka Eye - vocals
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