YOUR QUESTION

05/16/2020 the ideograph

Hello Trevor, I'm interested in any reflections you'd like to share on working with Zorn, if this question hasn't been addressed elsewhere. Back in Bungle days, what was it about his work that interested or challenged you? What do you derive from more recent collaborations, after you've both perhaps shifted your artistic interests and positioning through the years? And which Moonchild piece do you recall enjoying playing?
I'm sad I missed the Moonchild Templar shows a few years back (I was deep in other musical rabbit holes). There seemed an elevated energy between yourselves as a group, particularly with Zorn conducting the encore improv, that is conspicuous even in recordings. Joey Baron is a delight to watch & I love your delivery of pieces like Libera Me, A Second Sanctuary. Looking forward to the upcoming Trio-Convulsant and your solo material, when it manifests - bring on more Trevor voice.

MY ANSWER

Back in the Bungle days we were attracted to Zorn’s somewhat encyclopedic knowledge of music. This has continued into current times with Zorn knowing instinctively how to achieve ideal orchestrations as well as combinations of musicians. Working with him is always intense—a hyper-focused work ethic that doesn’t wane until the project is complete. No lollygagging. It’s hard work and it’s lots of fun. The Moodchild shows were always super intense as well, very physical for me, plus I was doing the “conducting” —cueing the others, and also non-stop. My favorite album is the expanded version Six Litanies For Heliogabalus. I love watching Joey play, too! Cheers