Paul Bley (piano); Gary Peacock
(double bass); Paul Motian (drums)
(Review
by Chris)
A gem from the ECM vaults, this time a live
recording from 1999 in Switzerland of a trio of masters, led by the
veteran Canadian poet of the piano, Paul Bley, who died in 2016. It’s
hard to imagine a more different approach to playing than the other Canadian
maestro, Oscar Peterson: Bley eschews the obvious sentimental or romantic lines, famously stating “Anything
you play twice is once too much”.
I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy this album, as I have
been gradually taking on board Jarrett’s and Mehldau’s well-chronicled trio
oeuvres, and Bley’s rigorous drive for innovative and free forms (after all, he
set Ornette Coleman’s career in train) requires rather more resolve and
attention from the listener.
However, I was blown away by some of the
sheer poetry and elegance of not only Bley’s piano (solo on I Told
You So and the luxurious I Loves You Porgy) but the
sublime contributions from the remarkable Peacock and Motian, who are given
plenty of space of their own - notably Motian on the lively Ornette Coleman
title track, and Peacock on his own 1970 number, Moor.
Bley’s eclectic playing may be centred between
bop and free, but is too quixotic and quicksilver to categorise, with
extreme contrasts throughout in dynamic, mood and colour. As
a Jarrett fan, I found tantalising glimpses
here of Jarrett at his finest and least bombastic (and not a single groan to be
heard....). Clearly, Bley made a major impression on Jarrett over the
years.
The remaining numbers are Bley originals,
starting with Mazatlan from 1965. Altogether a remarkably
varied collection of apparently relaxed conversations between all combinations
of the three players: virtuoso technique worn lightly in service of real
artistry. Highly recommended - an object lesson in the power of the piano
trio.
Chris Kilsby
Release date: 31.05.2019 ECM 2642
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