PAUL BLEY- Fragments ECM 1320 w/Frisell, Surman & Motian - 1986 VG+
$
60
Apr 29, 2026
Sold Date
Dec 29, 2025
Start Date
1
Number Of Bids
USA
Country Of Seller
eBay
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Description
Fragments is a 1986 studio album by Canadian jazz pianist Paul Bley, released under the prestigious ECM Records label (catalog number ECM 1320). It features a renowned quartet of musicians who are all major figures in contemporary jazz.
Core Album Details
Musicians:
- Paul Bley: Piano
- John Surman: Soprano and baritone saxophones, bass clarinet
- Bill Frisell: Guitar
- Paul Motian: Drums
Musical Style and Reception
The album is known for its sparse, haunting, and atmospheric quality. Critics often describe the music as an "admixture of the ethereal and the gravid," characterized by a "languid, calm flow" and "ambiguous direction in melody".
- Composition: The tracklist features original pieces by the quartet members, along with two compositions by Carla Bley ("Seven" and "Closer") and a closing piece by Annette Peacock ("Nothing Ever Was, Anyway").
- Atmosphere: Bill Frisell's guitar work is frequently cited for providing a "shimmering feel" and "wonderful atmosphere," while John Surman's use of the bass clarinet adds a dark, "burnished" texture.
- Critical Standing: While some critics found the writing "below par," many consider it a pinnacle of ECM production and one of Bley’s most profound "chamber jazz" experiments.
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