Paris-Concert cover

Paris-Concert

Released

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

Recommended by

Suggestions
Blu Blu Blu cover

Blu Blu Blu

Muhal Richard Abrams
Mingus at Monterey cover

Mingus at Monterey

Charles Mingus
Vignettes cover

Vignettes

Marilyn Crispell
The Ballad of the Fallen cover

The Ballad of the Fallen

Carla Bley, Charlie Haden
Contrasts cover

Contrasts

Sam Rivers
Impressions cover

Impressions

John Coltrane
Time Changes cover

Time Changes

Mark Dresser, Denman Maroney