Conception Vessel
Artist: Paul Motian

This is Motian's debut as a leader. It includes ambitious cuts with guitarist Sam Brown and also features pianist Keith Jarrett. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide Read More

Low Profile
Artist: Michael Formanek

Bassist Michael Formanek, an underrated composer who wrote the ten pieces explored on this CD, welcomes an all-star group of adventurous improvisers. Marty Ehrlich (on clarinet, bass clarinet, alto and soprano), Tim Berne (doubling on alto and baritone), trumpeter Dave Douglas, trombonist Frank Lacy, pianist Salvatore Bonafede and drummer Marvin... Read More

New Standards
Artist: Malachi Thompson

A very nice disc from Thompson and his Freebop group. New Standards takes on a nice variety of material, from "If I Only Had a Brain" to a couple of pieces by Thompson himself, including a drastic rearrangement of "Dyhia Malika" that freshens it up and expands it musically. The playing is entertainingly upbeat, keeping the music interesting even... Read More

The Brunt
Artist: Either/Orchestra

At the time of their formation the Either/Orchestra asked, "Why should a seven-horn band only limit themselves in ensembles to playing three basic parts (for trumpets, trombones, and reeds) when having seven parts would be much more exciting?" Gradual tempo changes within a song; the use of emotional outbursts, humor, and group improvising; and... Read More

Trio I Sm
Artist: Paul Motian
Community Score: 10.00

Jazz drummer Paul Motian has been lauded by critics for both his subtle syncopations and uniquely asymmetrical sense of time. On this 1993 release, Trioism, Motian's musical attributes are complemented by the cockeyed guitar styling of Bill Frisell and the breathy tones of saxmen Joe Lovano and Dewey Redman. With "It Should Have Happened a Long... Read More

Tethered Moon
Artist: Gary Peacock
On Broadway, Vol. 3 - JMT
Artist: Paul Motian
Community Score: 10.00

Drummer Paul Motian leads an intriguing all-star quintet on this gem of a disc. Motian and his regular trio of the time (with tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano and guitarist Bill Frisell) are joined by bassist Charlie Haden and altoist Lee Konitz (who doubles on soprano) for unusual versions of ten standards. Frisell's atmospheric and spacy guitar... Read More

If Only They Knew
Artist: Dave Liebman

Originally put out by Timeless, only to be issued in the U.S. on Impulse! eight years after the session, the phrase "if they only knew" at one time was conceived as a riposte to Liebman's critics. But you won't hear any querulous complaints from this corner, for this is a thoughtful, often burning quintet session caroming off the bumpers of... Read More

Tales of Another
Artist: Gary Peacock

Bassist Gary Peacock contributed all six originals to this set which also features pianist Keith Jarrett and drummer Jack DeJohnette. These musicians (who are equals) have played together many times through the years and their support of each other and close communication during these advanced improvisations is quite impressive. It's a good... Read More

Psalm
Artist: Paul Motian Band

The eight compositions by drummer Paul Motian on this ECM release (which is available on CD) are rather dry and none caught on as future standards. But the playing by Motian's sidemen (tenors Joe Lovano and Billy Drewes, bassist Ed Schuller and especially the remarkable guitarist Bill Frisell) uplifted the music and gave this group a strong... Read More

One Time Out
Artist: Paul Motian
Community Score: 10.00

The key to this unusual trio is not the muscular tenor of Joe Lovano or the propulsive timekeeping of the drummer/leader but the remarkable guitarist Bill Frisell. Able to somehow produce sounds from this guitar that could be mistaken for a keyboard or a steel guitar, in styles ranging from heavy metal and avant-garde jazz to country music,... Read More

Who's Bridge
Artist: Misha Mengelberg

Dutch pianist Mengelberg is in full reverie with this trio. He is teamed with Americans Brad Jones (bass) and Joey Baron (drums), who pretty much act as Mengelberg's supporting cast, never getting too rhythmically flashy. The pianist's sound is a witty combination of modern harmonic invention and melodic improvisational forays into Cecil Taylor... Read More