Uncle Paul’s Jazz Closet

Featuring Cool & Blue Records 1992 Release 'The Legendary Bill Evans Trio The 1960 Birdland Sessions" with Scott LaFaro and Paul Motian
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2016/03/set-list-031116.html
Photo: Paul Motian 1960 Cape Cod, MA  ©Paul Motian Archive

Pianist Paul Bley and his recordings with Paul Motian are featured in this show made shortly after Bley's death. With readings from the Paul Motian Archive and Bley's autobiography "Stopping Time".
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/11/paul-bley-010816.html
Image: Paul Bley abt. 1990 On tour with Paul Motian photo: Paul Motian ©Paul Motian Archive

Live At Montpelier, France 1988 The Paul Motian Trio with Bill Frisell & Joe Lovano
A great, unreleased recording of the classic Paul Motian Trio
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/11/live-at-montpelier-france-nov-26-1988.html
Photo: Bill Frisell, Paul Motian, Joe Lovano on the road around 1988 photographer unknown ©Paul Motian Archive

Selections From Paul Motian's Vinyl Collection Part 2/2
More music from Paul Motian's vinyl collection and more readings from his 1992/93 Notebooks.
Featuring Gene Ammons & Tony Williams.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/11/selections-from-paul-motians-vinyl.html
Photo: Some of Motian's Vinyl Collection

Selections From Paul Motian's Vinyl Collection Part 1/2 featuring Bud Powell, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk and more. With readings from Motian's 1992 Notebooks.

Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/10/selections-from-paul-motians-vinyl.html

Photo: Some of Paul Motian's vinyl collection.

1992 Paul Motian Recordings  1992 was a busy year for Paul Motian. The show features music recorded or released in 1992. Featuring the first Electric Bebop Band recording, On Broadway V3, Motian In Tokyo (live Trio with Lovano and Frisell), Live at the Deer Head Inn (with Peacock and Jarrett), Triangle (Tethered Moon trio with Peacock and Kikuchi), Flux and Change (duo with Enrico Pieranunzi). With readings from the 1st draft of Motian's autobiography.

Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/10/1992-paul-motian-recordings-120415.html

Photo: Paul Motian 1975 self portrait ©Paul Motian Archive

Paul Motian, Ed Schuller & Joe Lovano are featured. Jazz from the 1980s and 90s. With readings from the Paul Motian Archive.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/09/more-ed-schuller-joe-lovano-112015.html
Photo: Ed Schuller, Joe Lovano at A-Trane 1999 photo: Mehmet Dedeglu courtesy Tutu Records

Ben Monder's album Amorphae was released in 2015 by ECM Records, but it was recorded in 2010. Monder was a member of Paul Motian's Electric Bebop Band. The show features readings by Paul Motian from the EBBB's 2001 European Tour Book. 

Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/08/ben-monders-amorphae-110615.html

Photo: Ben Monder courtesy ECM Records ©Jesse Chun

Jeff Cosgrove Interview & Motian Sickness
Featuring drummer Cosgrove's 2011 release Motian Sickness: For the Love of Sarah with John Hebert, Mat Maneri, Jamie Masefield and a 2015 live interview with Jeff Cosgrove.

Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/08/jeff-cosgrove-interview-motian-sickness.html
Photo: Jeff Cosgrove courtesy Jeff Cosgrove

Paul Motian Band album Garden of Eden was released on ECM Records in 2006. I feature the album with readings from a Motian interview with Paul Olson for All About Jazz from the same year. https://www.allaboutjazz.com/paul-motian-theres-a-million-songs-out-there-paul-motian-by-paul-olson Members of the band are Chris Cheek, Tony Malaby, Steve Cardenas, Ben Monder, Jakob Bro, Jerome Harris and Paul Motian.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/08/garden-of-eden-101615.html
Photo: Jerome Haris, Steve Cardenas, Chris Cheek, Tony Malaby, Jakob Bro  2006  photo: Robert Lewis  courtesy ECM Records

Alexandra Grimal: Owls Talk
In 2010, Alexandra Grimal released her album Owls Talk with Paul Motian, Gary Peacock and Lee Konitz. With readings from a 2006 Paul Motian Interview with Paul Olson.

Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/07/alexandra-grimal-owls-talk-100215.html
Photo: Alexandra Grimal, Paul Motian 2009 ©Jean-Louis Atlan courtesy Hote Marge Records

Featuring the Paul Motian composition Trieste, recorded and rehearsed by Motian bands and others. Also his tune Story of Maryam.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/07/uncle-pauls-jazz-closet-theme-parts-1-2.html
Photo: Paul Motian Quintet in Europe August 1984 From l to r: Motian, Jim Pepper, Bill Frisell, Joe Lovano, Eddie Schuller photographer unknown ©Paul Motian Archive

A 2015 interview with jazz guitarist Joel Harrison who arranged Paul Motian compositions for his 2010 album "String Choir: The Music of Paul Motian" and established the now famous Alt Guitar Summit.

Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/07/joel-harrison-interview-090415.html

Photo: Joel Harrison, Paul Hanson, Brian Blade, Cuong Vu, Kermit Driscoll  photo © J. Quigley

On Broadway with Brian Jones PHD
Featuring music from Paul Motian's 5 album series On Broadway (Winter & Winter Records). I want to thank my guest Brian Jones Adjunct Instructor of Jazz Percussion University of Richmond College of William & Mary and PhD Student, American Studies Program for helping out with the show.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/07/on-broadway-with-brian-jones-phd-081415.html
Photo: Some albums and CDs played on the show

Martial Solal
Paul Motian played with French pianist Martial Solal for 10 weeks at the Hickory House in NYC in 1963. The show features recordings from 1963 with bassist Teddy Kotick and 1997 and 1998 recordings with Motian, Solal and bassists Gary Peacock and Marc Johnson.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/06/martial-solal-082115.html
Photo: Teddy Kotick and Martial Solal 1963 Hickory House, NYC photographer unknown

More Lowell Davidson
Pianist Lowell Davidson influenced drummer Paul Motian. With readings from the Paul Motian Archive.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/06/more-lowell-davidson-080715.html
Photo: Lowell Davidson courtesy ESP Records 

John Voigt Interview: Comparison & Contrast featuring Lowell Davidson
From Paul Motian's unpublished autobiography:
'I (Paul Motian) asked John Voigt during rehearsal (for a 1976 concert with Lowell Davidson), "What do you think about the music?"  "Sounds like worms.", he (John Voigt) said.'
Give a listen to find out what it means.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/06/john-voigt-interview-comparison.html
Photo: detail-Lowell Davidson Composition on Index card 1970s courtesy John Voigt

Eddie Costa & Coleman Hawkins Part 2/2
More jazz recordings of Eddie Costa and Coleman Hawkins, some with Paul Motian with readings from the Paul Motian Archive.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/05/eddie-costa-coleman-hawkins-part-22.html
Photo: Coleman Hawkins date and photographer unknown

Early Paul Motian recordings (late 1950s) with Eddie Costa paired with recordings of Coleman Hawkins.

Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/05/eddie-costa-coleman-hawkins-part-12.html

Photo: Page from Paul Motian's 1958 Datebook ©Paul Motian Archive

Russ Lossing with Interview
Jazz Pianist Russ Lossing, friend and bandmate of Paul Motian is featured.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/05/russ-lossing-with-interview-061915.html
Photo: l to r: Michael Adkins, Paul Motian, John Hebert, Russ Lossing (after recording Adkins "Rotator" 2006)

Drumminology featuring the 1984 ECM release Singing Drums with Paul Motian, Fredy Studer, Pierre Favre, Nana Vasconcelos. Readings from the Paul Motian Archive and promotional materials  from the June 1984 European Tour of the Pierre Favre Percussion Group.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/04/drumminology.html
Photo: Paul Motian's Gong in his apartment in NYC

Guitarist Sam Brown is featured on cuts with Paul Motian and others from his too short musical career.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/03/sam-brown.html
Photo: Sam Brown © Urve Kuusik & Edmund Shea Courtesy Columbia Records

Anat Fort Interview
Paul Motian playing with contemporary Israeli pianist Anat Fort. Interview with Anat Fort.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/03/anat-fort-interview.html
Photo: Paul Motian, Anat Fort 2004  ©Robbin Valentine courtesy ECM Records

Paul Motian Compositions Abacus-Drum Music

Recordings from the songbook: The Compositions of Paul Motian Volume 1 1973-1989 Part 1 of 5 episodes playing an example of every Motian composition he recorded.

Set List: http://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2016/07/set-list-072216.html

photo: Lee Tanner courtesy Impulse Records

Paul Motian went on tour with Charles Lloyd in the late 1960s. He was on Charles Lloyd's 1968 US State Dept. sponsored tour of SE Asia. Readings from the archive about the tour with  music featuring Charles Lloyd.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/02/charles-lloyd.html
Image: Pictures Paul Motian took on the 1968 SE Asia Tour ©Paul Motian Archive

Paul Motian playing in the late 1960s and early 1970s. With Andrew Hill, Mose Allison, Arlo Guthrie, Keith Jarrett.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/01/more-andrew-hill.html
Photo: A promotional postcard Motian saved from a gig in Hawaii, 1969 ©Paul Motian Archive

Paul Motian's Random LPs & 2nd Hand Stories
Jazz from Paul Motian's LP collection and readings from his writings @paulmotianarchive
Andrew Hill, Paul Bley, Albert Ayler and more
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/01/paul-motians-random-lps-2nd-hand-stories.html
Photo: Andrew Hill LP cover courtesy Blue Note Records

1982 Paul Motian Band Rehearsal Tape Part 2
Featuring an unreleased rehearsal with Paul Motian, Billy Drewes, Ed Schuller, Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/01/1982-rehearsal-tape-part-2-featuring.html
Photo: The Paul Motian Band: Billy Drewes, Ed Schuller, Joe Lovano, Paul Motian, Bill Frisell
Fall of 1981 photo:  ©Deborah Feingold

Featuring an unreleased tape of the early Paul Motian Band rehearsing. Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell, Ed Schuller, Billy Drewes.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/01/1982-rehearsal-paul-motian-band.html
Photo: Billy Drewes, Bill Frisell, Paul Motian, Ed Schuller, Joe Lovano 1981 photo: © Regina Stetter courtesy ECM Records

1978 Trio Rehearsal Tapes with Paul Motian, David Izenson, Charles Brackeen featuring early versions of Motian's iconic composition Drum Music
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2023/01/1978-trio-rehearsal-tapes-drum-music.html
Photo: Paul Motian 1978 photographer unknown

Stephan Oliva & Bruno Chevillon
Featuring a 1999 recording "Fantasm" with jazz drummer Paul Motian. With readings from his archive.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/12/stephan-oliva-bruno-chevillon.html
Photo: Paul Motian 1999 ©Fredrich Cantor courtesy BMG/France

Hamburg '72 Keith Jarrett Trio with Charlie Haden & Paul Motian
Lots of readings from the Paul Motian Archive
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/12/hamburg-72-keith-jarrett-trio.html
Photo: Paul Motian June 14, 1972    NDR, Hamburg  photo: Johannes Anders courtesy ECM Records

Marilyn Crispell jazz piano 
with Paul Motian, Gary Peacock and more Readings from the Paul Motian Archive
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/12/marilyn-crispell.html
Photo: Marilyn Crispell 2003 ©Cheryl Koralik courtesy ECM Records

Marilyn Crispell jazz piano 
with Paul Motian, Gary Peacock and more Readings from the Paul Motian Archive
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/12/marilyn-crispell.html
Photo: Marilyn Crispell 2003 ©Cheryl Koralik courtesy ECM Records

Mark Turner & Warne Marsh
Featuring recordings with Paul Motian. Jazz music and readings from the Paul Motian Archive.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/11/mark-turner-warne-marsh.html
Photo: Larry Grenadier, Paul Motian, Stefano Bollani, Enrico Rava, Mark Turner
photo: Claire Stefani courtesy ECM Records

Keith Jarrett's American Quartet Pt 3/3 
Paul Motian, Keith Jarrett, Dewey Redman, Charlie Haden with readings from the Paul Motian Archive
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/11/keith-jarretts-american-quartet-part-33.html
photo: Paul Motian 1976 ©Lee Tanner courtesy Impulse Records

Jakob Bro with Interview
Jazz, Paul Motian, Ben Street, Bill Frisell, Chris Cheek, Tony Malaby, Steve Cardenas, Ben Monder, Jerome Harris, Lee Konitz, Mark Turner, Thomas Morgan
Set List:  https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/11/jakob-bro-with-interview.html
Photo: Jakob Bro, Paul Motian, Chris Cheek 2006 photo: Robert Lewis courtesy Loveland records

Paul Motian: First & Last Recordings  
Hal Stein, Samuel Blaser, Bill Evans, Warne Marsh, Marcy Lutes, Alexandra Grimal and more
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/10/paul-motian-first-last-recordings.html
photo: Thomas Morgan, Petra Haden, Paul Motian, Bill Frisell 2010 ©John Rogers courtesy Winter & Winter

More American Jazz Quartet and Trio
Paul Motian with Keith Jarrett Trio, Quartet, Quintet: Charlie haden, Dewey Redman, Arto Moreira mostly 1970s
With readings from the Paul Motian Archive
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/09/more-american-jazz-quartet-and-trio.html
Photo: Keith Jarrett Quintet 1972 photographer unknown

Baby Dodds & Live at the Village Vanguard
Paul Motian's jazz influences and childhood stories. With readings by Ben Ratliff. Motian's band playing live at the Village Vanguard with Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell, Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Chris Potter, Masabumi Kikuchi and more.

Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/08/baby-dodds-live-at-village-vanguard.html
Photo: Baby Dodds courtesy Folkways Records

From Ornette Coleman to Keith Jarrett and Beyond
Released and Unreleased Jazz from Paul Motian, Charlie Haden, Keith Jarrett, Bill Frisell, Joe Lovano and Ornette Coleman. With readings from the Paul Motian Archive.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/08/from-ornette-coleman-to-keith-jarrett.html
Photo: Back cover of the 1971 album, The Mourning of a Star courtesy Atlantic Records

Charlie Haden, Geri Allen & More
Paul Motian Jazz with Charlie Haden, Geri Allen Dewey Redman. Readings from the Paul Motian Archive.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/08/charlie-haden-geri-allen-and-more.html
Photo: Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra in Montreal 1989 photo: ©Jan-Henri Thijs

Charlie Haden, Ornette Coleman and More
Jazz with Paul Motian and Charlie Haden, Geri Allen, The Liberation Music Orchestra and Ornate Coleman. Readings from the Paul Motian Archive
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/06/charlie-haden-ornette-coleman-and-more.html
Photo: Geri Allen, Charlie Haden 1987 ©Ruth Cameron

The First Trio Pt 3 & Steve Swallow
Paul Motian's 1979 Trio with J.F. Jenny-Clark and Charles Brackeen plus various bands that included bassist Steve Swallow
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/06/the-first-trio-part-3-steve-swallow.html
Photo: J.F. Jenny-Clark & Paul Motian courtesy Label Hopi France ©Antoine Darnaud

Live at Ryles 9/25 & 26, 1984 Part 3/3
Paul Motian Trio with Joe Lovano and Bill Frisell
With Readings from the Paul Motian Archive
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/05/live-at-ryles-925-26-1984-part-33.html
Photo: Paul Motian Trio in Istanbul 1987 Lovano, Motian, Frisell

Live At Ryles 09/26/1984 Part 1/3
Ryles in Boston was the 2nd USA gig of the Paul Motian Trio with Bill Frisell and Joe Lovano. There are readings from Motian's unpublished autobiography about a March 1984 European Tour that Paul organized for his quintet that included Jim Pepper and Ed Schuller.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/05/live-at-ryles-09261984-part13.html
Photo: Set List for the Gig from Motian's Bandbook ©Paul Motian Archive

Live at Ryles 09/25/1984 Part 2/3 with Bill Frisell Interview
Featuring an unreleased 1984 concert in Boston, MA with Paul Motian, Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell, a 2015 interview with Frisell and readings from the Paul Motian Archive.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/05/a-rebroadcast-of-episode-first-aired-on.html
Photo: Bill Frisell 1984 photo booth image

Trio (Motian, Lovano, Frisell) Rehearsal Oct. 18, 1985
Featuring unreleased rehearsal tapes and other recorded jazz with Paul Motian, Joe Lovano and Bill Frisell. With readings from the Paul Motian Archive. @paulmotianarchive
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/05/trio-motian-lovano-frisell-rehearsal.html
Photo: 2006 Joe Lovano, Paul Motian, Bill Frisell courtesy ECM Records ©Arne Reimer

Live At the Village Vanguard
Paul Motian, in various bands, recorded live at the Village Vanguard in NYC from 1961-2010.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/04/live-at-village-vanguard.html
Photo: Paul Motian playing his drums at the Village Vanguard in 1963 photographer unknown ©Paul Motian Archive

Rehearsal Tape 1980s Part 1
This show features a rehearsal tape recorded by the Paul Motian Quintet with Joe Lovano, Ed Schuller, Bill Frisell and Jim Pepper on January 8, 1984. The fundraiser mentioned is over but you can still donate to WRFR Community Radio Station https://www.wrfr.org
This setlist updated 03_27_22 as I have learned more info about the tape since I originally made the show. 
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/03/rehearsal-tape-1980s-part-1.html
Photo: ©E.J. Camp from a brochure Paul Motian self-published in 1985

Rehearsal Tape 1980s Part 2
Paul Motian Quintet with Joe Lovano, Bill Frisell, Ed Schuller, Jim Pepper featuring an unreleased rehearsal tape and the Paul Motian compositions Fiasco and Cathedral Song.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/03/rehearsal-tape-1980s-part-2.html
Photo: Paul Motian's Band Book page notes from the rehearsal ©Paul Motian Archive

Portrait In Jazz 
Paul Motian, Scott LaFaro, Bill Evans
Some well known tunes and some obscure. Readings about Paul Motian remembering Jackie Paris, liner notes from Mr. Counterpoint and more.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/03/portrait-in-jazz.html
Photo: Scott LaFaro, Bill Evans & Paul Motian at the Village Vanguard 1960 ©Steve Schapiro

Charles Brackeen & Lowell Davidson

1977 Rehearsal Tapes featuring duos of Paul Motian and pianist Lowell Davidson and Paul Motian and saxophonist Charles Brackeen. Lots of readings from Paul Motian's unpublished autobiography.

Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/01/charles-brackeen-lowell-davidson.html
Photo: Charles Brackeen 1977 photo: Richard Berner ©Paul Motian Archive

The First Trio Part 2  Paul Motian, Charles Brackeen, J.F. Jenny-Clark
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/01/a-repeat-of-episode-first-aired-on-may.html
photo: Charles Brackeen 1978 ©Richard Berner 

Keith Jarrett's American Quartet & More
Paul Motian, Charlie Haden, Dewey Redman, Keith Jarrett's American Quartet
With readings from Motian's autobiography, NDR Jazz Workshop Album 1972
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/01/a-repeat-of-episode-from-july-18-2014.html
Photo: Dewey Redman, Paul Motian, Keith Jarrett, Charlie Haden On tour 1974 Photographer unknown ©Paul Motian Archive

Paul Motian Influences: Edgar Varese & Moondog
With readings from Paul Motian's unpublished autobiography
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2022/01/paul-motian-influences-edgar-varese.html
Photo: Enrico Pieranunzi, Paul Motian, Marc Johnson photo: ©Elena Somare courtesy EGEA Music

Steve Cardenas Interview: Charlie and Paul
Steve & I talk about his new album (now available digitally on Bandcamp) Charlie & Paul, the Paul Motian Songbook (he guided the music presentation and wrote the notes), his relationships with Charlie Haden and Paul Motian and more.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2021/12/steve-cardenas-interview-charlie-paul.html
Photo: Steve Cardenas ©Anna Yatskevich

Poem Field #2
Paul Motian's jazz recordings around 1970, music he wrote for film, readings from his autobiography. Featuring Keith Jarrett, Charlie Haden, Stan Vanderbeek, David Izenzon, Karl Berger and more.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2021/12/poem-field-2.html
Photo: Paul Motian 1970 on the set of the film Punishment Park photographer unknown ©Paul Motian Archive

Bill Evans & Keith Jarrett
Paul Motian recordings with Evans and Jarrett along with readings from the Paul Motian Archive.
Set List: https://www.blogger.com/u/1/blog/post/edit/1265873899444802714/5428674158839897442
Photo: Paul Motian drum kit request for concert, date unknown ©Paul Motian Archive

Bill McHenry
Interview with jazz saxophonist Bill McHenry about Paul Motian. Featuring music by McHenry and Motian
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2021/11/bill-mchenry-interview.html
Photo: Bill McHenry ©Peter Gannushkin

Live At A-Trane: The Unreleased Set Schuller, Lovano, Motian
In 1999, Ed Schuller, Joe Lovano and Paul Motian played at A-Trane in Berlin, Germany. The concert was recorded and released in 2009 on Tutu Records as Live At A-Trane: The Reunion Trio Serendipity. On this episode, I feature Set 1 of the concert which was not released on the album.
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2021/11/live-at-trane-1999-unreleased-set.html
Photo ©Jean Francois Prins courtesy Tutu Records

The First Trio: Paul Motian, Charles Brackeen, David Izenzon
Featuring rare bells, drum, bass and saxophone solos from a 1977 Creative Music Studios Recording
Set List: https://jazzcloset.blogspot.com/2014/05/050214-set-list.html
Photo: Izenzon, Brackeen, Motian 1977 ©Richard Berner