Though Motian has at times branched out into more "out" music as compared to the Bill Evans Trio, it is his sound on those Evans records that shines through to this day. I Have The Room Above Her again features Frisell and Lovano on a program of mostly Paul Motian composition, plus a pair of covers: a very cool take on Monk's "Dreamland" and the Kern/Hammerstein title track. Several of the tunes, most notably "Osmosis" (parts III and I), "Shadows" and "Harmony", fully illustrate Motian's way of dancing around the composition. It's just amazing what the man can do with a pair of brushes, a snare and a single ride cymbal. On these songs, Lovano tends to follow Motian's lead, adding color on top of accent. Frisell is at his toned-down best, gently grasping clusters of notes into chords. All is not quiet here though. There's some nifty unison play on "Dance" and "The Bag Man" as well as some full-on skronkology on "The Riot Act".
OK, so maybe I think too much. Maybe that stone wall is just a pile of rocks. And maybe I Have The Room Above Her is just another record. I just can't think that way. Music is important and projects itself onto many, many 'unrelated' areas. Spend a little time looking (and listening) and you'll be amazed at what's out there.
Article comments
1 - Tom Johnson
Now you have me very anxious for my package from CDUniverse to arrive - I just knew this wouldn't be available locally and I was right. However, it's accompanied by Frisell's Richter 858 project, which I've been waiting to hear for a couple years since I read about the very expensive book it was developed for. All I know about that one is that he was told by someone associated with the book that there were to be "no banjos!"
2 - godoggo
One other major association worth mentioning: Charlie Haden.
Actually, I find him more compelling as a leader than as a drummer, but a lot of my favorite musicians likely disagree.
As part of my quest to provide a link to my boy Nels Cline's site whenever relevant, here is his very nice Paul Motian "homage".
3 - godoggo
Well, that's odd; I thought it was part of Nels's site.
4 - Mark Saleski
how the hell did i not know about Richter 858?!
thanks tom!