Customer Reviews

Lost In A Dream

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a more-than-worthy addition to the numerous Paul Motian recordings (both as a leader and as a sideman) at the Village Vanguard. It introduces a totally new ensemble - Motian joined by Jason Moran on piano and Chris Potter on tenor sax. Motian has played with Potter on and off for more than fifteen years, since the days of the Electric Bebop Band, but his relationship with Moran is relatively new. Nevertheless, there's plenty of chemistry, recalling Motian's long-running trio with Joe Lovano and Bill Frisell.

The music, as you'd expect from ECM, is generally down-tempo and focused almost entirely on Paul Motian's compositions (one Irving Berlin composition, and no Thelonious Monk). I saw this trio (with Greg Osby subbing for Potter) at the Vanguard, and the performance was not as ballad-heavy as this disc suggests; still, the beauty of the trio's playing on these tunes is well-captured. Aside from six ballads, there's one slowly-swinging song, "Lost in a Dream", and three intense free jazz ditties near the disc's end. "Drum Music" is probably my favorite performance on this disc, showing that the trio can do wild heat as well as loose "chill".

Moran is as magnificent as on nearly every other recording and performance he makes, though we do get a nice focus on his softer side. Potter provides gravitas on tenor, with a completely different sound from Lovano's work with the OTHER trio.

If you like Motian's work as a leader and particularly his ballads, these beautifully recorded performances are an essential purchase.

There is so much quality music making and interplay going on here. The collective talents of all three artists lend themselves to each other in a way that brings out the best in all three. There are times when Paul Motian seems to be in several places all at once. He clearly does not "bang" the drum, but literally paints soundscapes with his work. He is the composer of all the tunes here, except one. Some are older numbers. But they display his inventiveness and playfulness. The piece, Take Care It's My Heart, by Irving Berlin, is a treat, as is Mr. Motian's Birdland. Motian's work has a dancing lyrical quality. His leadership here is understated and he creates plenty of room for his collaborators. His companions on this recording, Chris Potter on Sax, and Jason Moran on piano, seem to have been playing together for some time. Hopefully they will continue to work together and create some wonderful listening that will linger in your mind. I will admit this is music that challenges you, but let yourself be taken by its ride, and you too will be in dreamland.

Other reviewers have this thing sewn up, so I'll just say this is a superb jazz album, one influenced by Coltrane's ubiquitous free jazz style with haunting melodies that seem to weave their way in and out of the silence that otherwise dominates the recording. I hope this group stays together for some time, as they have a lot to say.

Paul Motian may be the personification of teamwork. How does a drummer lead a band without turning the project into a drum showcase? The same way Bill Evans led his trios - putting equal emphasis on all three corners of the triangle. One of those corners was, of course, supported by Paul Motian for some time. This recording is an example of good lessons well learned. Beautiful music well played. Great musicianship well employed. "Lost In A Dream" is the sound picture of three superb musicians (Chris Potter, Jason Moran, and Motian) sharing the load, equally contributing to a single lovely statement. The "dream" effect is partially achieved by the wise decision to leave these performances bass free. There is no anchor, so the music floats freely. If there is reason to single out any particular performances here, it would be those of recording engineer, James A. Farber and producer Manfred Eicher for a live recording that defies psycho-acoustic logic. One would almost swear that the audience was overdubbed.

I purchased this CD for my husband's birthday, it was recommend by Public Radio station. I didn't know much about it, but it was an excellent choice. The music is beautiful and very moving. I trully recommend it!

The sound of this album is so distinctive that, when I play my ECM playlist by random, I could instantly hear its pieces come back. I got this album nearly a year ago. Still, I enjoy it, and know that I will enjoy it, as it ages.

At once intimate and expansive, this is an ultimate late-supper set, sporting superior chemistry done up in a multitude of styles for which we can only attempt to recreate at home.

Exellent jazz, very hard and new. all musicians are very good compositor and improvisator. I just like this music.

DE NUEVO MOTIAN NOS DELEITA CON UNA OBBRA INCUESTIONABLE. EL TRIO ES PERFECTO; MOTIAN ,POTTER Y MORAN. ES SIN DUDA LA CONCRECION PERFECTA DE LO QUE HOY ES JAZZ. SENTIMIENTOS Y TECNICA UNIDOS POR ESA MAGIA QUE SOLO UN GRANDE DE LA MUSICA PUEDE LOGRAR. MUSICA MAGICA PARA UN ESPACIO MAGICO. PERFECTO. MANUEL GROSSO