A legendary leader of the jazz avant-garde, pianist Paul Bley (1932–2016) cultivated his own musical vision and influenced a generation of performers. Throughout his life, he remained on the cutting edge of creative music, performing with everyone from Ornette Coleman and Charlie Parker to Jaco Pastorius and Pat Metheny.

This week, we remember Paul Bley with his 2000 appearance on Piano Jazz. Bley performs his original motifs and collaborates on a duet with host Marian McPartland.

Originally broadcast in the fall of 2000.

Set List

  • "Motif #1" (Bley)
  • "Motif #2" (Bley)
  • "Sweet And Lovely" (Arnheim, Daniels, Tobias)
  • "Portrait Of Paul Bley" (McPartland)
  • "Motif #3" (Bley)
  • "Free Piece" (McPartland, Bley)
  • "Sing Me Softly Of The Blues" (Carla Bley)
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