Search - Paul Motian, Bill Frisell, Joe Lovano :: Time and Time Again

Inspirational three-way music-making .

Hal Charles | 04/03/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Paul Motian once again teams up with guitarist Bill Frisell and tenor saxophonist, Joe Lovano.

Each of these artists have done very well on their own, but their combined force is, as the platitude goes, far greater than the sum of its parts.

There's a genuine sense of luxuriousness to "Time And Time Again".

Whether it be the muted blue textures of Frisell's sensitive guitar passages or the sheer effervescent sparkle of Motian's cymbals, there's an uncommon richness of atmosphere to this recording.

Although predominantly made up of original compositions by Motian himself, the trio tackle a couple of standards in the shape of Rogers & Hammerstein's "This Nearly Was Mine" and Thelonious Monk's "Light Blue" and and Lovano's drifting "Party Line" to particularly great effect.

Throughout the album the mutual respect between these three players is abundantly evident, with no one voice intruding upon another.

Motian's own performance, in particular, remains remarkably accommodating to his fellow performers, allowing the compositions themselves to take centre stage.



"

Less Is More

o dubhthaigh | north rustico, pei, canada | 05/31/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Perhaps the most abstract expression of passionate commitment to music is this zen approach evinced by the remarkable efforts of Motion, Frisell and Lovano. From the opening strains of "Cambodia" until the end of the disc when it all seems to release itself into the ether time and time again, this is a sublime evocation of what finds solace deep in the human heart and soul. Certainly the other side of the pond from Michael Brecker's brilliant PILGRIMAGE, this disc nonetheless presents an open invitation to dwell deeply, poetically. It is the piety of thinking that finds its sojourn in this music and you will find yourself returning to this disc the rest of your life.

Nothing splashes, crashe sor reaches a boppish fever. The inflections are more subtle. By not stating something thematically, this trio speaks volumes. Even the chestnut, "This nearly was Mine" more evocatively presents what has escaped than what is common. Monk's "Light Blue" occupies that zone just before enlightenment arrives and is certainly a sonic approach to what Heidegger referred to as The Clearing.

This is an even finer CD than I HAVE THE ROOM ABOVE HER. It is waht is left unsaid that continues to haunt you long after you walk away from this disc."

Good album, but was expecting something a little better

J. Rich | 11/21/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm going to try and keep this review short.



I have listened to this album several times, but I think this lacks the heartbreaking beauty of their previous album "I Have The Room Above Her." That album was really one of the best jazz trio albums I've ever heard well next to Bill Evans Trio - "You Must Believe In Spring."



Having said that, this album hasn't grown on me the way their previous release has. Another person mentioned the JMT/Winter and Winter releases and they are all great in particular the "On Broadway" series. Great modern takes on jazz standards.



The music on this album is almost in the same vein as "I Have The Room Above Her," but with a little bit emphasis on pure gorgeous beauty. I know they're just expanding on their concept, but I think they could've done so much better.



All the musicians are amazing and I'm all really big fans of: Paul Motian is the master of time and space. He never fails to display his own distinctive drumming style. Bill Frisell, who's one of my biggest influences, is one of the true innovators of jazz guitar. He has totally opened up a new sonic world to the masses. Frisell is also a virtuoso of texture. He always plays so tastefully, no notes are wasted. For Frisell, it's not about speed, it's about the music. Joe Lovano is an amazing saxophonist. I first heard him on Paul Motian's first album "Psalm" and then I was impressed with him, then I heard him on "It Shouldn've Happened A Long Time Ago" and was completely floored by his sound, technique, and how much feeling he puts into every note he plays. One of the true great saxophonist of our time.



"Time And Time Again" is not a bad album. The reason I'm giving it four stars is because I've much better music from this trio. I recommend this album if you like Motian's work with Frisell and Lovano."