John Zorn and Bobby Previte: Euclid’s Nightmare

Leave it to skronk & squawk alto sax king John Zorn and the versatile drumming man Bobby Previte, who would be as comfortable with Sonny Clarke as with Cecil Taylor, or with Jim Hall as with John Paul Bourelly, to come up with a freely-improvised duet recording encompassing no fewer than 27 tracks clocking in at an LP length 43:25. That they did, and other than the obvious indulgence in each other’s edgy company, what’s the point? It shows that there’s a record company and a showcase for just about anybody and anything. From a drum and sax duo standpoint, the saxophonist’s gotta be a whole lot more compelling than Zorn, who wears thin after about four tracks, let alone an egregious 27. Drum students might find solace in Previte’s machinations, which are always considerable. Better sustenance can be found in the drummer’s impressive body of ensemble recordings.

Originally Published April 1, 1998