Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Enrico Pieranunzi/Paul Motian: Doorways

Enrico Pieranunzi/Paul Motian: Doorways

By Mark F. Turner
December 5, 2004
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Doorways is an exhilarating duo release featuring veteran musicians drummer Paul Motian and pianist Enrico Pieranunzi. While Motian may be more recognized in the U.S. for his work on hundreds of recordings, Pieranunzi is also a force to be reckoned with both as a musician and composer, as witnessed on the recent recording FelliniJazz . He gives new listeners a further display of the brilliant capabilities he has honed over the many years in Italy and Europe with numerous projects and musicians. Special guest saxophonist Chris Potter, who is making a name in jazz circles, adds his accomplished voice on three selections.

The edgy and progressive recording captures and also demands the listener's attention with thirteen pieces that deliver unbridled musical ideas and also draw attention to the high level of communication between the musicians. Composed by Pieranunzi, the music is at times tense, playful, and probing, but never routine. Pieranunzi plays with a colorful and percussive style that can be vigorous or calming, and at 70+ years young Motian still brings fresh and crisp drum work that is the perfect addition to Pieranunzi's free ideas.

"Double Excursion 1 and 2" set the tone with dynamic and flurried sounds while the poignancy of slower pieces like "Suspension Point" finds the artists articulating a softer message that is just as effective. The trio pieces with saxophone are equally if not more elevated in form. "Anecdote" features Potter providing blistering sax work and is appropriately titled, as each instrument gives a frenzied musical account with interweaving solos around a theme. Doorways is a vivid, heady, and rewarding recording for those who like their jazz adventurous.

Track Listing

Double Excursion 1; Double Excursion 2; Doorways; No Waltz For Paul; Utre; Blue Evening; Anecdote; Suspension Points; Double Excursion 3; Words Of The Sea; The Shifting Scene; The Heart Of A Child; Utre (alternative version).

Personnel

Enrico Pieranunzi

piano

Enrico Pieranunzi, piano; Paul Motian, drums; Chris Potter, tenor and soprano saxophones on "Doorways", "Anecdote" and "The Heart Of A Child."

Album information

Title: Doorways | Year Released: 2004 | Record Label: CAM Jazz

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