Charlie Haden with Paul Bley and Paul Motian - The Montreal Tapes (Verve, 1994)

This post is by Scott and Dan

Charlie Haden (b); Paul Bley (p); Paul Motian (d)

Recorded on July 7, 1989

In July 1989, organizers of the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal (FIJM) invited Charlie Haden to present a series of eight concerts with some of Haden's frequent collaborators. July 7 was reserved for the trio with Paul Bley and Paul Motian. The concerts were recorded by Radio Canada and made available to Verve for release on CD. 

We sometimes neglect Canada as an international venue due to its proximity to the United States, but cities such as Montréal, Victoriaville, Toronto, and Vancouver have active jazz scenes and festivals. The gesture to host Haden was generous and demonstrates sophistication regarding the importance of the bassist to jazz internationally. How many other bass players would be considered for a week-long series of performances? The Haden series honors both the performers and the festival.

Since Haden and Bley were part of the Los Angeles scene in the 1950s, it makes sense to include compositions by Ornette Coleman - five of them in all. Each member of the trio also contributes a number, and Carla Bley's "Ida Lupino" completes the program. 

The performances are all one could wish for. Haden is closely miked and generates a huge, detailed sound from his instrument. Drums and piano are carefully placed in the sound stage so that every nuance is captured. FIJM uses major concert halls as venues, in addition to the many street bandstands in the city. The concert's acoustics are responsible in part for the excellence of the performance.

Most numbers leave a lot of space for Haden's intimate bass solos. Bley and Motian are genuine pros who have worked extensively with Haden, so there are no awkward moments. Everyone seems comfortable and uses the opportunity to stretch out and, of course, keep the spotlight shining on Haden the honoree.

This is festival jazz at its best - great location, great artists, great program, and great recording.