Fragments cover

Fragments

Released

If you want to know the true meaning of “chamber jazz,” let Paul Bley’s Fragments be its living definition. The pianist coaxes from multi-reedist John Surman, guitarist Bill Frisell, and drummer Paul Motian a sound of such adhesive quality that even listeners who prefer a groove will find themselves stuck to it. There’s something soothing about the darkness of this music, which ebbs and flows along the shores of in-house material, as well as readings of Carla Bley and Annette Peacock. Surman’s lower reeds do these justice (and then some) as poetry of a lighter order swirls around his storytelling.

Tyran Grillo

Recommended by

Suggestions
Kuára: Psalms and Folk Songs cover

Kuára: Psalms and Folk Songs

Per Jorgenson, Samuli Mikkonen, Markku Ounaskari
Desert Poems cover

Desert Poems

Stephan Micus
Arvo Pärt: Tabula Rasa cover

Arvo Pärt: Tabula Rasa

Gidon Kremer, Keith Jarrett
The Bandwagon cover

The Bandwagon

Jason Moran
Spirit of Nuff…Nuff cover

Spirit of Nuff…Nuff

Henry Threadgill Very Very Circus
Components cover

Components

Bobby Hutcherson
Book of Ways cover

Book of Ways

Keith Jarrett
Made in Chicago cover

Made in Chicago

Jack DeJohnette, Muhal Richard Abrams, Henry Threadgill, Roscoe Mitchell, Larry Gray
Book of Days cover

Book of Days

Meredith Monk