(Review by Russell)
Publicity for Gary Peacock’s new recording Now This states: In this band, roles are very evenly shared. This is an accurate
description of the contribution of all three musicians to a CD marking the
eightieth birthday of the celebrated bassist. Eleven compositions, some of them
Peacock (ECM) favourites, are truly small group improvisations with a
telepathic understanding and anticipation of one another’s ideas.
Peacock has travelled a long way since adopting double
bass as his primary instrument in the fifties. Equally at home with Ayler and
like-minded firebrands or the tempered school of Motian and co, Now This, Peacock’s new CD on ECM, is rooted in the latter tendency.
Pianist Marc Copland’s close interplay with Peacock is
born of years of working together and fellow ECM stable mate Joey Baron (drums)
is well-equipped to help realise the trio sound. Gaia and Requiem (the
opening and closing tracks) are re-visited from Peacock’s ECM back catalogue,
new compositions comprise the greater part, and both Copland and Baron
contribute one tune apiece.
Peacock’s lines are, invariably, picked-up on
instantaneously by Copland and vice versa. Drummer Baron listens intently, his
tight brushes propelling the trio in forward motion. A good example of Baron’s
drive is heard on his own composition Esprit
de Muse. Quality recording (at the Rainbow Studio, Oslo) enhances the
subtleties inherent in the music. As a birthday present from ECM Gary Peacock
is certain to be delighted with Now This.
The CD is available now – Gary
Peacock Now This (471 5388).
Russell
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