Paul Motian: Master of Time, Defier of Age

[mjzee]

'Everything fell in my lap, sort of," said Paul Motian, sitting in an office of ECM, a music label he's been associated with for nearly half his 80 years. "I never tried to push things." Mr. Motian referred to the arc of his career. But he might as well have meant his manner of playing drums, so relaxed and unforced are his iterations of swinging time.

Whether within a trio or a larger ensemble, such as the septet he will bring to the Village Vanguard here beginning Tuesday, Mr. Motian is both a peaceful presence and a locus of swirling power. A few cymbal strikes are all he needs to indicate velocity and flow. He employs moments of silence with equal emphasis as bass-drum kicks. He distills jazz's pulses into pithy implication through rhythmic phrases that sound personal. By now, he is both eminence and enigma: Everyone wants to play with him; no one can play like him.

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WSJ

[LWayne]

I read this article in the "old school" paper edition. Sorry to learn of the "official" end of the Motian/ Lovano/ Frisell trio although the rumor had been circulating for some time.

They have provided me with some great highlights over the years. I have caught their annual residency at the Village Vanguard for 9 of the 10 past years.

On the bright side, more opportunity for other Motian-led projects at the Vanguard.

LWayne

[7/4]

sorry, can't subscribe.

End of the Trio? Sad news, but they've been together for years. I caught two of the years at the VV and I'm real glad I did.

[Chuck Nessa]

Bunch of us are old guys. Get your belated appreciations ready.

[7/4]

ok, I read it.