RIP Paul Motian

uglymusic

My favourite drummer of all time, and one of my favourite composers, died this week in New York at 80.

Paul Motian played time in a way no-one else has ever figured out, developed an instantly-recognisable minimalist sub-division of the jazz piano trio, spent the past 30 years playing jaw-dropping improvisations with saxophonist Joe Lovano and guitarist Bill Frisell. There was a time in the 80s when that trio seemed to swing through London about three times a year, and I'd make sure I was there.

He was simply the greatest. When I get back from Cornwall, I'll be playing everything I have with Motian - from Bill Evans' Portrait in Jazz to Motian's own recent live albums from the Village Vanguard.

I'll leave the formal obit to the Guardian's John Fordham.

Good luck to you, Paul, wherever you are.

Alan

I am utterly unfamiliar with him, Dave - but I have seen in what esteem you hold him. I need to rectify this.

Docfoster

Likewise Dave.
Sorry to have learned of him through such circumstances, but I will put one of his CDs on my Christmas list. Which would provide a good introduction?

uglymusic

Thanks both

I'll give the way into his work some real thought, Ben. Where to start?

Do you know Bill Evans' Live at the Village Vanguard and Waltz for Debby? That's when our Paul started to go off the rails and find a new role for drums in jazz. I'm not saying they're the best ones to get; his best work comes later.

uglymusic

I'll tell you what, there's quite a bit of Paul Motian on Spotti. I'll post some links, and you can see what you think.

Paul Motian Quintet – Misterioso

Charlie Haden – Etudes 

Paul Motian Trio – One Time Out

Paul Motian – Sound Of Love

Tethered Moon – Tethered Moon - First Meeting

Unfortunately, there aren't any of his ECMs on Spotti any more :-( The Tethered Moon is probably pretty representative of many of the piano trios with Paul Motian on the label, although perhaps TM is the most minimalist project he was involved in.

Alan

Ben - I may have deleted you post by accident - I was looking to quote you. Sorry!

I was going to join you inn thanking Dave for the list above.
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uglymusic

Did anyone delete one of my posts on 'Listening to...'?

Docfoster

Ben - I may have deleted you post by accident - I was looking to quote you. Sorry!

I was going to join you inn thanking Dave for the list above.
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This is how censorship starts Alan...
:-SS

uglymusic

Here's another list of essential Motian. 

The tracks and albums that I know amongst the list are spot-on, so I think it's a good one.

uglymusic

And a very perceptive (if factually remiss re pianists) piece on a musician's blog.

Docfoster

Thanks for all the pointers Dave. Much appreciated. =D>
A few recordings have muscled their way into my Christmas list.

uglymusic

Excellent. Which ones did you go for?