snobb As rule no-one likes compilations and rare exceptions only confirm that rule.Canadian composer and pianist Paul Bley's "Turns" is such exception.It contains full recorded material from March 9, 1964 session for the first time released in one place. Five compositions were previously released on Paul Bley "Turning Point" album (1975),three others - on extremely rare Arista/Savoy compilation "New Music: Second Wave" (1979).

Paul Bley released lot of interesting music but (especially during last few decades) his works aren't easy listening so far.All but one "Turns" compositions are written by Carla Bley (probably it's a reason why they are so melodic) and all them come from the time when experimental,innovative and beautiful weren't antonyms.

From very first seconds of album's opener "Around Again" it becomes obvious that music presented here will be not only interesting,but beautiful as well. Musicians all are of highest level (Paul Bley trio with Paul Motian and Gary Peacock plus Sun Ra's sax player John Gilmore)and all them have enough space to play - the album is really collective work, not Paul Bley's album with supporting band.Side A contains four great songs - no filler.

Side A closes with alternative version of "Ida Lupino" - brilliant catchy composition,its original version opens album's side B.Rest three compositions on this side are still good but not so excellent as on previous side so possibly it slightly destroy perfect impression on the end of listening.Album's closer "Ictus" is more energetic and most avant-garde session's composition.

It's interesting to note that even if "Turns" contains five compositions from "Turning Point" album, different songs order and three another compositions placed in between of them seriously changes whole impression - "Turns" sound really more interesting and attractive comparing with "Turning Point". In all - great entry album for everyone interested in discovering Paul Bley's music.

snobb The second Paul Bley live album is more interesting than it is great. Recorded in 1958, it has a bootleg quality,surprisingly clear sound, but a terrible one mic mix.

The most intriguing thing with this album is the fact that the music on here is one of the earliest existing Ornette Coleman live recordings! The group on here is nothing else but the classic Coleman Quartet plus pianist Paul Bley (the concert in Hillcrest Club, LA was recorded just a few months after the release of Ornette Coleman studio debut "Something Else!").

Musically this album contains four compositions (including one Charlie Parker's and two from Coleman) and demonstrates Ornette's playing in transition from hard bop to freer forms. Ironically enough, the sound mix is concentrated on the saxophonist's soloing, all the other musicians (including trumpeter Don Cherry, bassist Charlie Haden, drummer Billy Higgins and Paul Bley himself) are deep in the shade. This is supposedly pianist Paul Bley's album, but most of time you can't hear the piano playing at all! Five years later this album was re-released for the US market under the name "Live At The Hillcrest Club 1958" as a collaborative work, without mention of Paul Bley as leader.

Over all, this album is a really interesting release for Ornette Coleman fans and collectors, but it is hardly an essential musical work and adds nothing to Paul Bley's musical legacy.