Best known for his work with Pat Metheny, Paul Motian and Brad Mehldau, bassist Larry Grenadier breaks free from all of his bandmates and goes completely solo on this collection of songs and improvisations. He mixes approaches with bowing and picking, with the styles covering the rainbow of jazz standards such as “My Man’s Gone Now” to bouncing tributes to bebop legends in “Pettiford.” Two versions of “Bagatelle” have him approach the same dark piece with a bow and digits, creating completely different tones. His bow echoes on “Campassion/The Owl of Cranston” and he reaches subtones as he gurgles on “A Novel In A Sigh.” A rich Mingusy feel is resonant on “Woebegone” and he agonizes with textures during “Oceanic.” No supporting act is missed.
ECM Records