Lost in a Dream is the wonderful new live album from the jazz trio of drummer Paul Motian, pianist Jason Moran, and sax player Chris Potter, recorded during a week stay at the Village Vanguard in New York City in February of 2009. The tracks here are all Motian originals, save for one cover, their take on Irving Berlin's "Be Careful It's My Heart". All three of these seasoned players have performed with some of the best that jazz has to offer, including Thelonius Monk, Dave Holland, Paul Bley, Keith Jarrett, and others, and together they take all that experience and create plenty of magic together.
Motian's light, rhythmic touch propels pieces such as "Casino", "Mode VI", and the engaging title track, letting Potter burst through the mix with his sultry tone, while Moran's elegant piano lines are always present, whether taking a melodic solo spot or working alongside Motian and laying down the rhythm, much like a bassist would normally do. The lazy "Birdsong" is a gorgeous piece, featuring emotional melodies from Moran, while the complex "Ten" sees the trio weaving intricate lines around each other for some breathtaking interplay. Motian gets to really strut his stuff during the wild "Drum Music" alongside the squonking sax bursts from Potter and the jagged free-jazz explorations from Moran's piano. The classy "Abacus" also features the drummer in an intense solo spot (this guy COOKS ladies and gentleman!), and this live set concludes with the smooth, smokey sounds of "Cathedral Song".
Live jazz albums don't get much better than this. Though neither Motian, Potter, or Moran are household names outside of the loyal jazz scene, their performances here should put them on the lips of anyone who has a passing interest in the genre.
ECM Records has done it again!
Track Listing
1. Mode VI 5:09
2. Casino 8:05
3. Lost In A Dream 6:39
4. Blue Midnight 6:09
5. Be Careful It's My Heart 2:58
6. Bird Song 6:52
7. Ten 4:30
8. Drum Music 6:07
9. Abacus 4:25
10. Cathedral Song 6:29
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