Paul Bley - Floater & Syndrome The Upright Piano Sessions Revisited

2025

It was once said of Paul Bley that he was the only pianist who could make a concert grand sound like an upright. While that is not literally true, or only partly so, it makes a point that strikes home on these often strange, offbeat, otherworldly tracks. It is a quality preserved by Michael Brändli’s typically sensitive sonic restoration, which increases the probability of rapture. Enjoy.

Paul Bley - (upright piano)
Steve Swallow - (double bass)
Pete LaRoca - (drums)

Recorded: [1–5] on August 17, 1962;
[6–15] on September 12, 1963 in Newark N.J.

TRACKS:

01 When Will The Blues Leave
02 Floater
03 Stereophrenic
04 The Circle With The Hole In The Middle
05 Around Again
06 Syndrome
07 Cousins
08 King Korn
09 Vashkar
10 Ballad No. 1
11 Ballad No. 2
12 Ballad No. 4
13 Turns