THE JON MADOF TRIO
Barbès376 9th St, New York 11215
The Jon Madof Trio brings guitarist and composer Jon Madof’s newest ensemble to Barbès. Madof is joined by Yoshie Fruchter, of Sandcatchers and David Krakauer projects, on bass, and Nate Rappaport of Zusha on drums. The trio’s debut release, Netzach, is out on John Zorn’s Tzadik Records, making this a chance to hear the group’s developing repertoire in its three-piece form.
Madof is known for his work with John Zorn and for founding Zion80 and Rashanim. This trio draws together avant-garde and experimental jazz, post rock and punk, with what the listing describes as a deep Jewish soul. The New York Times called the music “a truly soulful experience,” while the Village Voice described it as “a marvelous mashup.” Fruchter’s work with Sandcatchers and David Krakauer, alongside Rappaport’s connection to Zusha, places the trio in a network of players whose projects cross Jewish musical traditions and exploratory contemporary music.
Barbès offers a compact, warmly worn space where the music feels immediate and close, with a long wooden bar and a back room under a scarlet ceiling that hosts nightly performances. The venue champions a broad spectrum of global sounds, from Balkan brass and klezmer to Afrobeat and experimental jazz, often featuring residencies like the Slavic Soul Party. The audience gathers around small tables or at the bar, sharing drinks crafted with a nod to French spirits, while the music invites attentive listening rather than loud conversation. Shows usually have a suggested donation instead of a cover charge, creating a welcoming environment where the focus is on the artists. The venue’s commitment to accessibility and its role in Brooklyn’s cultural fabric make it a distinctive spot for an evening of richly diverse live music.