Hate to say this on a Zorn list, but someone's gonna have to be the critic. There really are better alto sax players out there. Javon Jackson is beautiful, and Steve Coleman is certainly one of the best ever (check out the sonic language of myth).

I don't think that Zorn really compares as a genius on the saxophone. According to a recent interview (from Bomb Magazine I think), Zorn confessed to not practicing regularly in more than 10 years. He's not on the level of someone like Coltrane or Steve Coleman as a performer.

I took jazz snob friend of mine who studied with Kenny Baron to see Masada. He LOVED Joey Baron, but said that Zorn was good but not great. He was floored though how Zorn would shift tones likes shifting gears in a car, sounding like Maceo Parker then Ornette Coleman then Eric Dolphy.  

Samerivertwice@aol.com
wrote:

No one's ever come out and said it -- not that I've seen anyway -- but my
feeling is people on this list have mixed feelings about Zorn's proficiency
as a sax player. While I'm hardly an expert on technique or innovations, I
happen to think Zorn is an exceptionally good player with a unique style.
Do others feel the same? Why or why not? I'd love it if someone could
articulate Zorn's style in more technical terms so I can better understand
and appreciate his playing approach.

Thanks,
Tom

From: "Downard, Peter"
Frankly, on the basis of the Masada studio and live sessions and the News
for Lulu trios, I can't think of a better alto player in recent years. Can
anybody else?

Peter Downard