This post is by Scott and Dan
Recorded on December 16, 1988
One of the best outcomes of Blue Note's 1980s revival was the recording of pianist Don Pullen's two trio albums New Beginnings and the follow-up Random Thoughts (1990). These are both adventurous outings by different trios. New Beginnings has the edge with respect to the group composition which includes legends Gary Peacock and Tony Williams.
Pullen uses clusters on almost everything he plays. Clusters are formed on piano keys as groups of notes played simultaneously, usually with fingers but often with knuckles, wrists and elbows. Horace Silver occasionally employed clusters in the lower register of the piano, so it is not a technique peculiar to the avant-garde. Playing clusters should not be confused with simple pounding on the keyboard, which anyone can do. Pullen's approach is intensely lyrical and expressive, and listeners should not discount his artistry because of his clusters.
New Beginnings provides ample solo space for two of the most important virtuosos on their respective instruments. Peacock, who anchored Keith Jarrett's standards trio, displays magnificent technique and taste in his solo spots, for example the rousing "Reap the Whirlwind" and "Once Upon a Time." Williams receives even more opportunities for his very musical solos. When not soloing, Peacock and Williams provide perfect accompaniment to Pullen's flights across the keyboard.
The tunes themselves, all composed by the pianist, have contagious melodies that are in turn dance-like ("Jana's Delight"), Spanish-tinged ("At the Cafe Centrale"), and exotic ("Warriors"). The closing "Silence=Death" is a 10:20-minute piano solo, reminiscent of Pullen's earlier solo album Evidence of Things Unseen (Black Saint, 1983).
Pullen died prematurely of lymphoma in 1995 at age 53.
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