Opus One

Album Description

Dive into the world of avant-garde jazz with Paul Bley's "Opus One," a captivating collection of 19 tracks that span a rich hour and eight minutes. Released on January 28, 2014, under the Green Blues Music label, this album is a testament to Bley's mastery of free jazz, cool jazz, and avant-garde genres. The album features a blend of original compositions and classic standards, each track showcasing Bley's unique piano style and innovative approach to jazz.

"Opus One" opens with "Time On My Hands," setting the tone for an album that is both introspective and energetic. Standout tracks like "Spontaneous Combustion" and "Opus One" highlight Bley's improvisational skills and his ability to push the boundaries of traditional jazz. The album also includes beloved standards such as "There Will Never Be Another You," "Like Someone In Love," and "My Heart Stood Still," each reimagined through Bley's distinctive lens.

Fans of jazz will appreciate the album's diverse range of influences and Bley's virtuosic playing. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Paul Bley or a newcomer to his music, "Opus One" offers a compelling journey through the world of modern jazz. The album's production quality is top-notch, with recordings from Century Sound Studios and Fantasy Studios ensuring that every note is captured with clarity and depth.

28 januari 2014

2014 Green Blues Music

About Paul Bley

Paul Bley, a pioneering figure in the jazz world, was a Canadian pianist and composer whose innovative spirit and technical prowess left an indelible mark on the genre. Born in Montreal in 1932, Bley's career spanned over six decades, during which he contributed significantly to the free jazz movement of the 1960s and pushed the boundaries of trio playing. His music, characterized by its deep originality and aesthetic aggression, has been celebrated for its thoughtfulness and intuitive commitment to advanced improvisation.

Bley's extensive discography includes influential recordings from the 1950s through to his solo piano works of the 2000s. He collaborated with some of the most influential musicians of his time, including Charlie Parker, Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, and Pat Metheny. Beyond his work on the piano, Bley was also an early adopter of synthesizers, notably the Moog and ARP, incorporating them into his live performances and recordings.

His compositions often featured a blend of nostalgia and reflection, with a gentle hint of the blues, creating a compelling and deeply personal musical experience. Bley's legacy as one of the most influential jazz pianists and composers of the 20th century is undeniable, making him a founding father of avant-garde jazz.