On the first Masada album, recorded in 1994 and subtitled Alef, the trumpet work of Dave Douglas is interwoven with John Zorn's alto saxophone lines; together, they offer up a pleasant session that combines traditional Jewish music elements with jazz. Zorn's Masada compositions offer modal harmonies, danceable rhythms, and virtuosic instrumental interplay. Bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Joey Baron provide the structure; Masada functions as a democratic unit, with each of the four masters contributing equally.

"Bith Aneth," while maintaining the modal harmony throughout, is presented like an early Ellington classic, with a repeated bass obbligato, drum syncopation, and horn vocalizations. The quiet, pensive "Ashnah" and the swinging, spirited "Delin" allow room for bassist Cohen to speak out alone. Alternating triple and duple meters by dividing an 8-beat bar into 3+3+2 beats, "Janohah" marches along for almost ten minutes, captivating the listener in much the same manner as Ravel's "Bolero." "Zebdi" is brief but chaotic, "Jair" makes room for Baron to trade fours with the ensemble, and the dramatic "Idalah-Abal" finds both horns dipping into their lower registers with clear voice-like melodies. "Tahah," "Tzofeh," and "Kanah" are suitable for ballroom dancing; there's a certain majesty surrounding the ensemble's directness. Masada One is an enjoyable listen and makes the perfect introduction to Zorn's unique ensemble. Highly recommended.