Two really great pieces on the late Paul Motian: One from pianist Ethan Iverson and the other from photographer John Rogers. I already knew a lot of his jazz biography, but had no idea he also played Woodstock with Arlo Guthrie! Incredible. In 2009 I had the privilege of seeing Paul play with Bill Frisell and Ron Carter at the Blue Note. I was sitting close to the stage on the side where Ron Carter towered over the two like the giant that he is. Bill seemed to be having a ton of fun, smiling and laughing as the three played songs from their trio record as well as a few I had never heard them do before. Paul played really interesting ideas with incredible conviction and artistry. Fortunately I still have the recording I made that night to relive what it was like to see such giants. Here is the last song of the night “What is this thing called love?”. This whole track is amazing. Check out Paul’s solo at the end. Wow!
