SLAMCD257 Keith Tippett, Howard Riley, Stephen Grew & Pat Thomas – Pianoforte

Live recording of the cream of British improvising pianists – Keith Tippett, Howard Riley, Stephen Grew and Pat Thomas – in a mixture of solo and duo performances recorded in 2003.

Keith Tippett, Howard Riley, Stephen Grew, Pat Thomas: piano

“An incredible and historic release.” – Laurence Donohue-Greene, All About Jazz

“Grew’s solo “Magnesium” is built on scampering flurries, accumulating thickness of spillage, whilst pausing for momentary meditations. Rolling blocks and dainty trinkles are combined. When Thomas enters for “Shifty Lad One”, they both tiptoe about, sounding each other out, then decide to develop a conversation, taking up and continuing each other’s statements. In the second part of “Shifty Lad”, the talk turns into simultaneous babble. When we consider Pat’s electronics universe, we’re reminded of his versatility, as he sits at the acoustic keyboard. He then gets his own solo time, and devotes it to tentative prowling.

This sets up Tippett for his own extended séance, which is the night’s most striking piece. It’s so extremely minimalist, so very quiet, with Keith laying his trademark objects gently on the interior string-spread. At first, he’s very nearly inactive. Beautifully judged. Pings and faint rolls are soon joined by deliberate fingerings, and ten minutes in, Tippett is ready for a cavernous rumble.

After this, Riley’s solo stretch seems shockingly concerned with ‘conventional’ digital striking. His style remains utterly distinctive, his chords unlike anyone else’s. When the pair connect for their duo (all their pieces are well extended), it’s an advanced conference, coloured by years of such meetings. Tippett’s ‘special effects’ contrast well with Riley’s unseated traditionalism. This is all very enjoyable.” – Martin Longley, Jazz Review

Recorded at Sheffield University Firth Hall, 28 October, 2003.
Recorded by Chris Trent.
Original cover painting by Stephen Grew.

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