Change Of Heart
Released
Altoist Martin Speake’s only ECM appearance with pianist Bobo Stenson, bassist Mick Hutton, and drummer Paul Motian. The quartet’s readings of eight originals from the bandleader are as poetic as his titles. The sweetness that emanates from “The Healing Power of Intimacy” is enough to foreshadow the many states of mind to follow. The interactions between Hutton and Motian are on point, especially in the swinging “Barefaced Thieves” and the broader visions of “Venn.” “Buried Somewhere” is a balladic juggernaut that lumbers with gentle awareness of its surroundings, always in search of harmony.