Jon Madof

Jon Madof is a guitarist, composer, producer, and bandleader based in New York. He is the leader of several bands including <a href="spotify:artist:3RjWiJS1SyNY0vptVVxZUX" data-name="Zion80">Zion80</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:4qprbVwSkDCtnc1qZhDEjg" data-name="Rashanim">Rashanim</a>, and has released seven albums on Tzadik Records. Madof has worked with artists including <a href="spotify:artist:5eyMzR1hYiEZtN2c9ly2kw" data-name="Matisyahu">Matisyahu</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:5RISqKCcrhGITX2TQAPGPL" data-name="Bill Laswell">Bill Laswell</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:5ITytcrPQLruY2X6o8aSLS" data-name="Frank London">Frank London</a> and <a href="spotify:artist:7jAeRfT8LYCxydM2Y1Egvn" data-name="Marc Ribot">Marc Ribot</a>, and has maintained a decades-long association with composer <a href="spotify:artist:3gkJ7lXtLpE4KauFHpk2vK" data-name="John Zorn">John Zorn</a>. His performances have spanned the globe at prestigious venues and festivals, and he has been featured in media outlets including the New York Times, NPR, and The Times of Israel. In 2017, Madof co-founded the prolific and eclectic Chant Records label with bassist and producer Shanir Blumenkranz.

Madof’s latest project Modum (pronounced ‘MAH-dum’) is a departure from performing and recording music in a live setting. Drawing on influences including <a href="spotify:artist:7MSUfLeTdDEoZiJPDSBXgi" data-name="Brian Eno">Brian Eno</a>, <a href="spotify:artist:5RISqKCcrhGITX2TQAPGPL" data-name="Bill Laswell">Bill Laswell</a>, and <a href="spotify:artist:5kNZV33crEsk2IMZMJ8bOQ" data-name="Jon Hassell">Jon Hassell</a>, he embraces the idea of using the recording studio as an instrument, with nods to electronic music, post-rock, and minimalism. But Madof still manages to keep his guitar playing at the center, a sound that seamlessly ranges from gentle lyricism to searing distortion, often in the span of a single song.

(Photos: Marko Dashev)