Jazzmatazz Review - Paul Bley

Paul Bley

Basics
(Justin Time)

This solo piano recording is not designed for easy listening. To the contrary, it requires serious attention to perceive the profundity of its creator. Paul Bley eschews consistent rhythm and melody for a follow-the-idea approach to jazz—the beginning of a composition never forecasts the end.

But what may appear at first listen to be the mere ruminations of a pianist, a sitting at the keyboard and letting-things-happen approach, is indeed a set of fascinating musical structures. This is because Bley knows jazz history, and imbedded in his works are the architecture of a number of jazz styles. The romanticism of the Bill Evans/Keith Jarrett school, a hint of boogie woogie, the blues, or the cascades and thunder of Cecil Taylor can emerge at any moment—full blown or in shadow, and recognizable as an integral part of the structure.

This is not a radio play recording. It is more likened to chamber music—a sound one must delve into, intently if not intensely. When one does, a series of fascinating explorations is revealed.

— Jules Epstein, April 2001

Release Date: 30 January 2001

Basics

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last update 5 April 2001