During the 20 years that preceded this set,
Paul Motian
had led some of the most intriguing jazz groups around. For this project, his "
Electric Bebop Band
" consists of two tenors (
Chris Potter
and
Chris Cheek
), two guitars (
Kurt Rosenwinkel
Brad Schoeppach
), bassist
Steve Swallow
, and the leader himself on drums. With the exception of
Motian
's opening selection and a pair of originals by
Rosenwinkel
, the repertoire consists of three songs by
Thelonious Monk
and one tune apiece from
Bud Powell
,
Miles Davis
George Shearing
Charlie Parker
, and
Rodgers & Hart
. Essentially a straight-ahead bebop date, the most unusual aspect of the set (which unfortunately has no liner notes, so individual soloists are not identified) is that there are many sections where two different players solo together. Usually it is the two tenors or both of the guitarists, but occasionally it's a tenor and a guitarist. Everyone plays well, but nothing really that unexpected occurs. The songs are superior; the highlights include
Powell
's
"Celia,"
a medium-slow
"Blue Room,"
"Milestones"
(the 1947 song), and
Monk
"Work."
But overall, this date falls short of being memorable. ~ Scott Yanow