Fragments - Paul Bley | Jazzbo Notes

Jan

4

Fragments - Paul Bley

≡ Category: 1980s, Avant-Guarde, Post Bop, Reviews, Worth A Listen |
≅ Written by: Michael Kydonieus

WORTH A LISTEN

Rating:

I remember hearing the tune Line Down, taken off of Paul Bley’s Fragments date, on the car radio late at night back in the 80s on National Public Radio. I was stunned by how well the piano of Paul Bley, John Surman’s bass clarinet, Bill Frisell’s guitar, and Paul Motian’s drums managed to evoke an electrical wire brought down in a winter storm. I could easily imagine the electricity arcing and the line whipping around dangerously.

I went out and bought the CD immediately, only to be disappointed. Line Down is by far the most intense and least characteristic tune on the date. Fragments is all about mood. The playing on the rest of the CD is sparse and exploratory.

This is not necessarily a problem for fans of pianist Paul Bley. They’re used to his meandering musical soundscapes. But even his fans might be put off by tunes such as Monica Jane, Once Around The Park, and For The Love of Sarah, which have a blowsy, nostalgic feel to them.

The balance of the date, which includes Paul Bley’s Memories, two tunes by Carla Bley, and one by Annette Peacock, will most likely determine whether or not Fragments is a worthwhile purchase for you. These tunes sound haunted. Bill Frisell serves the function he was born for, to impart atmospheric washes. Paul Bley cautiously scatters piano phrases like so many glittering diamonds, searching more for ringing tones and appealing shapes than anything else. Paul Motian sweeps up behind them with brushes on his kit.

For me, it’s not enough. I find it boring. If I had to do it over again, I’d pick up an mp3 of Line Down and leave the rest of Fragments behind.