Paul Motian Quintet
Misterioso
Soul Note (Italy) 1987
121 174-1 (LP)
sleeve : EX+(light wear on one corner.)
media : EX-/EX(some slightly noise. the beginning of A1 has some light surface noise)
A leader date from 1987 by American drummer Paul Motian, best known for his work on Bill Evans’s 1961 masterpiece Waltz for Debby and for the many outstanding session albums that followed. This quintet features Jim Pepper (tenor & soprano sax), Joe Lovano (tenor sax), Bill Frisell (guitar), and Ed Schuller (bass). Aside from the title pieces A1 and B1, both interpretations of Thelonious Monk compositions, the program is devoted entirely to Motian’s own writing. Highlights include A3, a moodier reworking of a Motian piece also heard on Paul Bley’s superb 1986 album Fragments, which likewise featured Motian and Frisell, and A4, which builds with a cool, restrained atmosphere into something quietly spiritual. A superb performance throughout, revealing a refined groove embedded deep within its avant-minded approach. And as expected, Frisell’s guitar is simply outstanding. Highly recommended.
A3: Once Around The Park
A4: Gang of Fire
B3: Byablue