Search - Marc Copland :: New York Trio Recordings (Voices)

A Definite Keeper

Karl W. Nehring | Ostrander, OH USA | 07/07/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Pianist Copland is joined on this outing by bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Paul Motian. The end result is a piano trio recording that truly highlights all three members of the trio, not just the pianist. Of the eight cuts on the recording, four are by Peacock, three are by Copland, and one ("All Blues") is by Miles. Although Motian is not listed as a composer, his work on the drums contributes mightily to the music; certainly, he is much more than an accompanist.



What is delightful about this recording is the way that it blends a modernist edge with the smooth comfort of more traditional jazz. The music is always easy and enjoyable to listen to, but you always feel the three musicians pushing. They are never content to get into a pleasant groove and ride it mindlessly. However, all three are such masters of their art that the end result sounds smooth and natural, never forced or conflicted. This is jazz at its best, building on the past but peering into the possible.



The Miles Davis cut really brings this feeling to the fore. Right away you recognize the cut as "All Blues," but for the first four minutes or so, the music is "out there," never quite settling into the comfortable groove that jazz fans have loved for decades. Then suddenly, there it is, as the trio pays direct homage to the original. But even then, the three musicians retain their own voices, their own unique perspectives. If you are fan of piano jazz, then you really ought to hear this recording. It's a definite keeper."