This Single-Layer SACD can only be played on a Super Audio CD Player!
Inspiration From Gregorian Chant on SACD!
Modern Chant (subtitled Inspiration from Gregorian Chant) is an album by pianist Paul Bley, cellist David Eyges, and drummer Bruce Ditmas recorded in 1994 and released on the Japanese Venus label.
"Can it be a coincidence that this CD, subtitled 'Inspiration from Gregorian Chant,' was recorded right around the time that chant music was reaching its improbable peak on the album charts? In any case, this enjoyable, offbeat trio album featuring the unusual combination of Bley's piano, David Eyges' electric cello and Bruce Ditmas' drums seems to have very little to do with Gregorian chant per se. Indeed, such numbers as 'Wisecracks' and 'Loose Change' are definitely based on the blues, 'Decompose' has an M-base funk foundation, and 'Funhouse' is a nasty, down-home bit of grooving that eventually becomes engulfed in a swirling maelstrom (so this is from whom Keith Jarrett may have picked up some of his group concepts). Only 'Digitant' seems to breathe some of the ambience of chant in its thematic material. Eyges' cello usually fills in the traditional function of a bass -- albeit a very light-toned bass -- while occasionally forming dissonant arco (bowed) counterlines around the piano. Bley's playing is often brilliantly unpredictable, difficult to categorize, and thus, able to stand out from the pack." - AllMusic
"Paul Bley has made a career-and a lot of good music-out of bedeviling our expectations. Here is yet another example-beginning with the CD's title, which might lead one to expect lots of parallel fifths and other borrowings from the newly repopularized music of ancient monasteries. What one gets instead is vintage Bley; we'll credit whatever inspiration he may choose, as long as it delivers the like of this set. Working with David Eyges on electric cello and Bruce Ditmas on drums, Bley is a fountain of ideas, sometimes suggesting divergent harmonic and melodic directions, sometimes reveling in the sound of a lone tone cluster ringing through the pulse. Eyges takes full advantage of the range of his instrument, moving between rhythmic and melodic contributions with grace and ingenuity. Ditmas respects the flexible time sense that Bley brings to bear, contributing texture and color as well as pulse to the proceedings." - JazzTimes
Features:
• Super Audio CD
• SACD Stereo SACD Layer
• This Single-Layer SACD can only be played on a Super Audio CD Player! It will NOT play on conventional CD Players!
• Made in Japan
Musicians:
Paul Bley, piano
David Eyges, electric cello
Bruce Ditmas, drums
Selections:
1. The New You
2. Sweet Talk
3. Funhouse
4. Please Don't
5. Wisecracks
6. Spot
7. Russell
8. Digitant
9. Decompose
10. Loose Change
All Compositions & Arrangements by Paul Bley, David Eyges & Bruce Ditmas
Recorded at The Studio in New York on September 17, 1994
Inspiration From Gregorian Chant on SACD!
Modern Chant (subtitled Inspiration from Gregorian Chant) is an album by pianist Paul Bley, cellist David Eyges, and drummer Bruce Ditmas recorded in 1994 and released on the Japanese Venus label.
"Can it be a coincidence that this CD, subtitled 'Inspiration from Gregorian Chant,' was recorded right around the time that chant music was reaching its improbable peak on the album charts? In any case, this enjoyable, offbeat trio album featuring the unusual combination of Bley's piano, David Eyges' electric cello and Bruce Ditmas' drums seems to have very little to do with Gregorian chant per se. Indeed, such numbers as 'Wisecracks' and 'Loose Change' are definitely based on the blues, 'Decompose' has an M-base funk foundation, and 'Funhouse' is a nasty, down-home bit of grooving that eventually becomes engulfed in a swirling maelstrom (so this is from whom Keith Jarrett may have picked up some of his group concepts). Only 'Digitant' seems to breathe some of the ambience of chant in its thematic material. Eyges' cello usually fills in the traditional function of a bass -- albeit a very light-toned bass -- while occasionally forming dissonant arco (bowed) counterlines around the piano. Bley's playing is often brilliantly unpredictable, difficult to categorize, and thus, able to stand out from the pack." - AllMusic
"Paul Bley has made a career-and a lot of good music-out of bedeviling our expectations. Here is yet another example-beginning with the CD's title, which might lead one to expect lots of parallel fifths and other borrowings from the newly repopularized music of ancient monasteries. What one gets instead is vintage Bley; we'll credit whatever inspiration he may choose, as long as it delivers the like of this set. Working with David Eyges on electric cello and Bruce Ditmas on drums, Bley is a fountain of ideas, sometimes suggesting divergent harmonic and melodic directions, sometimes reveling in the sound of a lone tone cluster ringing through the pulse. Eyges takes full advantage of the range of his instrument, moving between rhythmic and melodic contributions with grace and ingenuity. Ditmas respects the flexible time sense that Bley brings to bear, contributing texture and color as well as pulse to the proceedings." - JazzTimes
Features:
• Super Audio CD
• SACD Stereo SACD Layer
• This Single-Layer SACD can only be played on a Super Audio CD Player! It will NOT play on conventional CD Players!
• Made in Japan
Musicians:
Paul Bley, piano
David Eyges, electric cello
Bruce Ditmas, drums
Selections:
1. The New You
2. Sweet Talk
3. Funhouse
4. Please Don't
5. Wisecracks
6. Spot
7. Russell
8. Digitant
9. Decompose
10. Loose Change
All Compositions & Arrangements by Paul Bley, David Eyges & Bruce Ditmas
Recorded at The Studio in New York on September 17, 1994
