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Artist |
Paul Bley |
| Title |
Basics |
| Label |
Justin Time |
| Reviewer |
Richard Proplesch |
| Rating |
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Bley is a curious man to many jazz buffs, especially
those unfamiliar with the scope of his work. Having
played with luminaries like Charles Mingus and Charlie
Parker while still in his early '20s, Bley's piano work
has traveled from bop to avant and back around,
introducing us to players like Steve Swallow and Charlie
Haden. Most likely, Bley's decision to remain in his
native Montreal has been nonetheless bittersweet.
Forsaking the temptation of lucrative New York and West
Coast dates, Bley persevered to launch his own local
workshops.
It might be an error to classify his latest
solo album as a retrospective, since all the tunes (save
Thelonious Monk's "Monk's Mood") are being recorded for
the first time here. Yet, Bley's temperament and touch-
along with delving into specific styles- vary with each
track as if recalling many of the music's historical
developments. Using proud striding strokes for the
boogie of "Speed Kills," soft, gentle chords for the
blissful "Lucky," and broad suggestions of impressionism
for the landscape of "Early Alben," Bley's playing is
masterful, dedicated, and wholly enjoyable. Anything BUT
the basics.(Justin Time, 5455 rue Pare, Suite 101,
Montreal (Quebec), Canada HP4 1P7)
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© 2001 AMZ/music-reviewer.com
Robert R. Lewis
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