April Daily Notes (4.25.23)

A series of etchings, and a jazz surprise . . .

I promised to start off this series of Daily Notes with (a) a Tarot art exhibit, and (b) two previously promised items. However . . .

The reason I often don’t get to anticipated items is that other things pop into view, and seem more immediate.

It’s happened again, of course, because while I was wrapping up the art thing, the jazz thing inserted itself into my Google search results. Since it doesn’t match any of the terms I was using, I’ve taken this as a serendipity that wants attention.

So here’s what we have . . .

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Tarot Etchings by Brian D. Cohen

I love these pieces as visual works—but I’m also impressed with the artist’s explanation of Tarot. It went along with a 2007 exhibition of “The Fool’s Journey” in the library of Brigham Young University. It’s composed of 23 etchings, each 9” by 7”.

Cohen introduces the series this way:

The Fool’s Journey is modeled on the major arcana  of the traditional tarot deck. The tarot originated in the Renaissance as a form of cosmography, a visual illustration of a philosophical world-view. Each card presents an archetype of human experience illuminated through a parallel, symbolic element or quality of the physical world. The progression of cards in sequence represents a journey of discovery, awareness, and insight, from the blindness of the Fool (number 0) to the spiritual illumination of the World (number 21).

The composition of each etching is based on a varied geometric framework derived from study of the history of art and sacred geometry. I have used the traditional titles of the major arcana, with the exception of those names I found archaic or overly esoteric, for which I found substitutes with a historical precedent, such as the four elements. The titles of the cards comprise the text for the book, hand written by calligrapher Tamara Stoneburner. The etchings are printed on handmade feather deckle paper from Papéterie St. Armand in Montréal, Canada.

Here are three examples . . .

In addition to being a prolific artist (I also like his watercolors very much), Cohen’s Bridge Press publishes limited edition artist’s books and etchings

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Tarot Jazz by John Zorn

Many years ago, I looked around for music associated in some way with Tarot—and never found anything more specific than the vaguely defined genre referred to as “new age.” I’m sure everyone has their own ideas about what fits into that category and whether they like it or not.

I never thought of looking again, but even if I had, I wouldn’t have expected to discover a whole trove of Tarot-inspired jazz.

The samples I’ve heard from John Zorn’s work are definitely “free jazz” (also described as “improvisational” and “progressive”), which I happen to love. But many people who like some kinds of jazz hate free jazz, so I just wanted to let you know in advance!

Rolling Stone (2020) notes that “although Zorn has operated almost entirely outside the mainstream, he's gradually asserted himself as one of the most influential musicians of our time." For an overview of his experimental, eclectic approach, consult Wikipedia.

I’d never heard of him, though—and might never have if it hadn’t been for The Hierophant, a 2019 collection of nine compositions, named for The Hierophant, The High Priestess, The Devil, The Magician, The Hermit, The Hanged Man, Death, The Tower, and The Lovers. Here are the notes:

The Hierophant is a spectacular new suite of Zorn compositions drawing inspiration from the mystic world of the Tarot. Scored for classic jazz piano trio, the music is powerful and varied, hitting upon a wide range of styles, emotions and moods. Passionately performed by three members of Zorn's inner circle-Brian Marsella (piano) Trevor Dunn (bass) and Kenny Wollesen (drums) these magical and moving pieces are not like any piano trio you have ever heard. Thrilling and beautiful modern chamber music featuring three new music virtuosos at the very height of their powers!

And here are sample passages, from the Hierophant and Magician tracks:

Zorn followed in 2021 with Meditations on Tarot, described as “a classic reading of occult jazz from our favorite Downtown alchemist!” It features compositions for the remaining trumps, completing the project.

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I’m not going to tease tomorrow’s note, since I don’t know what might turn up in the meantime! C