Paris-Concert album cover
Paris-Concert

Circle

1971
ECM Records

This live recording preserves a 1971 performance by the legendary group known as Circle, consisting of reed master Anthony Braxton, pianist Chick Corea, bassist Dave Holland, and drummer Barry Altschul. Wayne Shorter’s “Nefertiti” establishes the contrasting language to follow, built at once on contemplative and convulsive foundations. Most of the writing comes from within, peaking in “73 506 Kelvin 8,” which exudes a convoluted beauty as only Braxton could squeeze from the ether. The freer aesthetic of Holland’s “Toy Room -­ Q&A” is also noteworthy, opening our ears to the comforts of “No Greater Love,” a standard played beyond fashion.

Tyran Grillo

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