Ben Monder

| Amorphae | ECM 2421

Paul Motian’s death almost stopped this album in its tracks. Guitarist Ben Monder had planned a series of duets, but when the master-drummer died after two astounding tracks Monder had to rethink it. He added some solo guitar pieces of astonishing beauty, two duets with another lion of jazz drumming, Andrew Cyrille, and some trios with Cyrille and synthesizer player Pete Rende. Monder and Motian were made for each other with their love of establishing atmosphere with the tiniest musical gestures, much as a great painter might do with minimal brush-strokes. On Oh, What a Beautiful Morning they eliminate the song’s blitheness in favour of a startling evocation of the drama of dawn, with streaming effects from the guitar and primal drumming. Fans of Motian’s late-period abstraction must hear this. clarinet that further intensify this remarkable piece. Most of Fort’s work is tinged with sadness. But then that’s always been the shortest path to the most beautiful music, and Fort has an inbuilt flair for a gorgeous melody alongside her willingness to experiment with form and to embrace open improvisation. Trovesi is an inspired choice of collaborator, his keening clarinet sharpening the edge of her music at every appearance.