PAUL BLEY — Turns (review)

PAUL BLEY — Turns album cover Boxset / Compilation · 1987 · Post Bop Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
snobb
As rule no-one likes compilations and rare exceptions only confirm that rule.Canadian composer and pianist Paul Bley's "Turns" is such exception.It contains full recorded material from March 9, 1964 session for the first time released in one place. Five compositions were previously released on Paul Bley "Turning Point" album (1975),three others - on extremely rare Arista/Savoy compilation "New Music: Second Wave" (1979).

Paul Bley released lot of interesting music but (especially during last few decades) his works aren't easy listening so far.All but one "Turns" compositions are written by Carla Bley (probably it's a reason why they are so melodic) and all them come from the time when experimental,innovative and beautiful weren't antonyms.

From very first seconds of album's opener "Around Again" it becomes obvious that music presented here will be not only interesting,but beautiful as well. Musicians all are of highest level (Paul Bley trio with Paul Motian and Gary Peacock plus Sun Ra's sax player John Gilmore)and all them have enough space to play - the album is really collective work, not Paul Bley's album with supporting band.Side A contains four great songs - no filler.

Side A closes with alternative version of "Ida Lupino" - brilliant catchy composition,its original version opens album's side B.Rest three compositions on this side are still good but not so excellent as on previous side so possibly it slightly destroy perfect impression on the end of listening.Album's closer "Ictus" is more energetic and most avant-garde session's composition.

It's interesting to note that even if "Turns" contains five compositions from "Turning Point" album, different songs order and three another compositions placed in between of them seriously changes whole impression - "Turns" sound really more interesting and attractive comparing with "Turning Point". In all - great entry album for everyone interested in discovering Paul Bley's music.
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