Paul Motian, born Stephen Paul Motian on March 25, 1931, was an influential American jazz drummer, percussionist, and composer, whose career spanned over five decades. His eclectic style and approach to drumming were rooted in bebop and post-bop, but he was also known for venturing into avant-garde jazz and electric genres. Motian began his illustrious career in the late 1950s as a sideman in pianist Bill Evans' groundbreaking trio, where his subtle and melodic drumming style contributed significantly to the group's sound. He subsequently worked with a range of jazz greats, including Paul Bley, Keith Jarrett, and Charlie Haden.

Over the years, Paul Motian became a bandleader in his own right, forming ensembles that were praised for their innovative and exploratory nature. He had the gift of creating atmospheric and impressionistic soundscapes, which reflected in his compositions and his approach to improvisation. Albums such as "Paul Motian" displayed his nuanced touch and compositional prowess, while live recordings like "At The Village Vanguard" and "Hamburg '72" showed the dynamic interplay and energy his groups could attain in concert settings. Motian's work continued to resonate with jazz enthusiasts; releases like "Lost In A Dream" and "Play Monk & Powell" showcase his reverence for jazz traditions and his continuous push towards new boundaries. Motian passed away on November 22, 2011, leaving behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire jazz musicians and aficionados around the world.

Genres

Contemporary Jazz

Contemporary Post-bop

Ecm-style Jazz

Jazz

Jazz Drums

Related Artists

Keith Jarrett

Bill Evans

Charlie Haden

Jack DeJohnette

Bill Frisell

Pat Metheny

Joe Lovano

Chick Corea

Lee Konitz

Gary Peacock

Vince Guaraldi

Herbie Hancock

Latest Release

The Old Country (Live at the Deer Head Inn)

Keith Jarrett•

Gary Peacock•

Paul Motian

Album - 8 Tracks - Released November 8, 2024