Name: Ramblin
Brand: Red Records Italy
SKU: 133967
Price: 14.13 USD
Availability: InStock

Ramblin

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This is a trio album recorded in 1966 with pianist Paul Bley joined by bassist Mark Levinson and drummer Barry Altschul. While solo piano probably accounts for more of Bley's recording sessions than anything else, the trio format comes in a close second. Having worked in other trios in the late '50s and early '60s (most notably Jimmy Giuffre's), Bley sought to break down the preordained roles of the 3 instruments. He was not alone or even the first in this exploration, but was one of the leading lights at the time. Here, the trio tackles 2 pieces each by Carla Bley and Annette Peacock, as well as one by Bley himself and another by Ornette Coleman (with whom Bley also worked). The line between composition and improvisation blurs and thematic variations give way to forays both bracing and free. This is possible for two reasons: the highly sympathetic interplay of the musicians, and the choice of material that allows for a solid foundation while also spurring on flight.