With the exception of a lengthy version of "Blood" (which is from a year later and has bassist
Mark Levinson), this
Paul Bley reissue CD features the pianist with bassist Ken Carter and drummer
Barry Altschul in 1965. "Pablo" is a free improvisation but otherwise the compositions (by
Bley, his wife at the time
Carla Bley and
Annette Peacock) contrast thoughtful moments with fiery group interaction. Although not all that memorable, the playing by the trio is at a high level and it is interesting to hear
Paul Bley's mid-'60s avant-garde improvising style which offered a contrast to the more dense playing of
Cecil Taylor. ~ Scott Yanow