Podcast 514: A Tribute to Paul Bley

Yesterday I posted a brief obituary of pianist Paul Bley, who passed away on January 3, 2016. For a musician, a written memorial seems empty. Therefore, here is Podcast 514, nearly an hour of the music of Bley, in varying combos, including a number of solo performances. A first listen to these selections, which admittedly are chosen and programmed somewhat at random, might lead a listener to think Bley a bit cold or analytic. But listen again, particularly in his great trio recordings with Gary Peacock (bass) and Paul Motian (drums) to hear the varying ideas, approaches and heart that permeates his playing. Musical selections include: Paul Bley with Charles Mingus and Art Blakey – “Spontaneous Combustion” from Introducing… Paul Bley – “Once Around the Park” from Fragments Paul Bley – “Seven” from Homage to Carla Paul Bley & Gary Peacock – “Sunrise Sunlight” from Mindset Paul Bley, Gary Peacock, Tony Oxley & John Surman – “Spe-cu-lay-ting” from In the Evening Out  There Paul Bley – “Compassion” from Notes On Ornette Paul Bley – “Late Night Blue” from Blues for Red Paul Bley, Gary Peacock & Paul Motian – “Don’t You Know” from Not Two, Not One Paul Bley – “Mondsee Variations X” from Solo in Mondsee Paul Bley Trio – “Goodbye” from My Standard