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Paul Motian | Essential albums and listening guide
Explore Paul Motian through It Should've Happened a Long Time Ago. Discover what to listen for and follow related styles to your next record.
Paul Motian
Meet the artist
A drummer, composer and bandleader known for work with Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett's American quartet and his own groups. His treatment of space and time created a distinctive musical atmosphere. Scattered sounds and lingering resonance shape the band's breathing instead of continuously marking the beat.
Cymbals and small attacks give melodies a soft outline. Brief, memorable compositions leave space for open improvisation. Pianoless settings make the sharing of space with guitar and saxophone especially audible. Quietness contains the intensity of musicians waiting for one another, offering a way to hear drums through color and conversation.
Where to start listening
Follow the small drum sounds placed between saxophone and guitar. The three-way relationship continues even during the silences.
1985It Should've Happened a Long Time Ago
Paul Motian
Paul Motian leads his trio with Bill Frisell and Joe Lovano. The ensemble's open treatment of time gives melodies and small gestures room to resonate.
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1972Conception Vessel
Paul Motian
Paul Motian's first leader recording, with musicians including Keith Jarrett. Flexible pulse and varied instrumental colours establish a distinctive sense of musical space.
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Years follow the Atlas catalogue. Recording dates, original release dates and digital reissue dates may differ.