“Music In Motian – The Compositons Of Paul Motian”
Play On Records 1003-2 2018
The music of drummer/composer Paul Motian is revered in certain circles of jazz, while res4ng
in obscurity among others. The performing credits of Motian run deep and are extensive, but as
a author of highly original music, he lies in the under-documented category. This will not last
much longer as, in the years since his passing, his followers are carrying the torch, one such
notable being guitarist Carl Michel.
Michel (pronounced Michael) has recognized the contribu4ons of Paul Motian, and he has recreated
a complete repertoire of his music. Ann Arbor-based jazz guitarist and composer Michel
now has recorded a compendium of Mo4an's music played with expert musicians from
Southeastern Michigan, a one-of-a-kind tribute to Paul Mo4an's music, with adapta4ons and
extrapola4ons akin to the fer4le musical mind Michael is inspired by.
The late drummer Paul Motian was an icon not only among his fellow percussionists but as a
composer in his own right. In additon to performing with his own group, he performed with
the great pianist Bill Evans’ trio and the legendary Keith JarreO-led mid-70s small ensemble,
while working sidebar gigs with Charlie Haden and Bill Frisell and recording for the Nonesuch,
ECM and Winter & Winter labels, among others. Motian became important in many addi4onal
ways as a mentor and unique presence in modern jazz.
In his research on and recording of Mo4an’s music, Michel discovered a blog of Cindy McGuirl,
Paul Motian’s niece, who has self-publishing a book, “The Composi4ons of Paul Mo4an Volume
1 1973-1989.” Volume 2 of Motian’s composi4ons will be out early 2018. Her blog, 4tled “Uncle
Paul’s Jazz Closet,” has podcasts of radio shows that she curates featuring her uncle’s music.
As far as Michels’ connec4on to Paul Mo4an’s music, it goes back to his early interest in jazz. “I
got informa4on from record stores - the first record I had was a Wes Montgomery/Milt Jackson
album, then Ralph Towner and Gary Burton. I liked the ECM label and the sound. I fell into John
Abercrombie and Pat Metheny preOy hard, but I found a promo copy of Dance by Paul Mo4an
on ECM, and at first I didn’t get it, but I loved the spacious sound, and there was no other
drummer so unique. I got acquainted with Keith JarreO’s American Quartet and Quintet. But it
was Paul Mo4an's Live In Tokyo that really turned the light on, and I realized so much in his
music - elements of Thelonious Monk, Eastern European music and OrneOe Coleman coming
together in his wri4ng - and it hit a peak.”
“I tried to get in touch with him, wrote to the record label - his music is not in The Real Book -
and he graciously sent me 10-12 copies of his music. There’s a lot of depth, and you see how the
wri4ng is becoming stronger. By then, he was not touring, only playing in New York, and I went
to the Village Vanguard to hear him, Bill Frisell and Joe Lovano. It was religious and
mesmerizing. Aier he passed away in 2011, I was able to meet others through the internet who
were interested in his music and had copies and was able to exchange music with them. I wrote
his music administrator to see if I could get more, was able to, and did the recording project of
which I’m proud.”
Now, as a definitive statement, the music of Paul Motian is available to the world through the
keen lens of Carl Michel for all the world to hear, listen to, and deeply enjoy.
1 India 6:42
2 Mode VI 5:57
3 In The Year Of The Dragon 5:37
4 Abacus 5:23
5 Birdsong 1:14
6 Osmosis 3:55
7 From Time To Time 3:50
8 Arabesque 4:08
9 It Should Have Happened A Long Time Ago 4:52
10 Circle Dance 3:49
All Composi4ons By Paul Motian © Yazgol Music-BMI
Carl Michel - Guitar
Mick Dobday - Piano
Dan Kolton - Bass
Alex Trajano - Drums
Recorded in 2013 & 2014
Solid Sound, Eric Wojahn, Engineer
Additional Recording at Tempermill Studios, Tony Hamera, Engineer
Mixed & Mastered at Solid Sound, Eric Wojahn, Engineer
Produced By Carl Michel
Front Cover Photo by MaOhew Sussman
Back Cover Photo by Brent Bacher
Package Design by Stephaine Layton
©℗Play On Records 2018
Play On Records 1003-2
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