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Cooper-Moore/Tom Abbs/Chad Taylor: Triptych Myth
Triptych Myth is an interspersal of Cooper-Moore's compositions and, if I judge correctly, live improvisations, with an odd Tom Abbs tune not far from the middle. Cooper-Moore's pieces have a far-flung range of directions, some more promising than others. The aforementioned reggae piece, and 'Susan,' for instance, represent his flirtations with standard forms, and are not bad at all, but less striking than some of his more personal material (such as 'Stem Cell' and 'Spatter Matter,' another Monkesque romp, yet unlike anything recently heard).
Cooper-Moore, both as writer and pianist, offers a refreshing alternative to all those conventionally dazzling jazz pianists that keep coming out of the woodwork. He plays well, but deliberately avoids prettiness. Has anyone coined the term 'punk jazz' yet?
Abbs' 'Raising Knox' is another charismatic change of scenery. Cooper-Moore sits out while Abbs takes drummer Chad Taylor and the audience out to his neighborhood for an intermezzo. The trio sounds, whether the case or not, as if it's got some years under its collective belt. Let's hope to see them often live, and to hear them evolve on more recordings.
Track Listing
Stem Cell; Nautilus; The Fox; Stop Time, No. 1; Richocet; Harare; Stop Time, No. 2; Raising Knox; Spatter Matter; Stop Time, No. 3; Spencer's Eyes; Susan.
Personnel
Cooper-Moore
pianoTom Abbs: bass; Cooper-Moore: piano, homemade instruments; Chad Taylor: drums.
Album information
Title: Triptych Myth | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: Hopscotch Records
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In the Moment: May-June 2004