Editorial Reviews

This two-CD set, produced by John Zorn, is second in a series of compilation albums dedicated to Jewish composers. The formidable and oft-forgotten -- ignored, perhaps -- Burt Bacharach is the focus of this album. Zorn calls upon some excellent musicians for this effort, including Medeski, Martin & Wood, Joey Baron, Bill Frisell, and a host of others. Some of the covers are heartfelt, well thought out and played with the acute attention to detail necessary to the satisfactory rendering of a Bacharach tune. However, some of the works do not allow for the composer's original feelings to shine through. Marc Ribot's working of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart," as both a solo piece and with a backing band, is a highlight, as is the brilliant "Do You Know the Way to San Jose," by Medeski, Martin and Wood. For this tune, Medeski employs the Mellotron, a new venture for him, and the result is a fresh-sounding, subtle mix, quite pleasing to the ear. Similarly, Anthony Coleman's "A House Is Not a Home" and Bill Frisell's "What the World Needs Now Is Love," are well articulated, providing new insight into old material. As a whole, the album is a bit inconsistent, but tackles the arduous task of reinterpreting Bacharach's complex material. A good choice for any fan of Bacharach, or the players on the album. Marc Gilman, All Music Guide

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