Paul Bley

Improvisie

★★★

I've come to know Paul Bley more for his incredible piano playing skills more than anything else, so it's a bit refreshing to hear him try his hand on some synths. Especially what sounds like some Moog synthesizers. He's also accompanied with Annette Peacock and Han Bennink.

There are two songs, one per side. And starting off with the self titled track, you're lead down this path of meandering and confusion in many ways. Peacock and Bley kind of twirl around without getting anywhere while you can almost hear Bennink try his hardest to get something going. It's easily the weaker of the two pieces and brings it down as a whole. 

The second piece, "Touching", not only improves upon the concepts of the first track, but expands them into new terrain. It seems to be almost a fight between the past and future; the organic colorful drumming of Bennink confronts the experimental and daring synths of Bley. However when Peacock enters the stage, she soars above all. 

Her voice might not be the most pleasant thing here, but it's raw and human. And as the fight between the two men rages, they give way to her piano and voice whenever she decides to cut in. Therefore leaving us unaware of who the triumphant one is at the end. That's for us to decide I guess. 

Favorite Song: Touching