PAUL BLEY & SCORPIO - Paul Bley & Scorpio

COMET RECORDS reissue 180gr., factiry sealed

PAUL BLEY & SCORPIO marked the pianist's entering the '70s fusion arena just as he was emerging from his more avant-garde "Synthesizer Show" phase. Actually, not all that much has changed, just a subtle turn towards mainstream accessibility. And what's really appealing about this album is the versatile trading off between Arp synth, Fender Rhodes, and straight piano--sometimes on the same track--and the superb accompaniment by bassist Dave Holland and drummer Barry Altschul. The fusion aspect of the set isn't heavily overdone, either--the electronics sound natural and "acoustic," as on the lyrical synthesizer solo on Annette Peacock's "El Cordobes." Peacock also contributes the somber "Dreams," here given a spare, shimmering treatment courtesy of Bley's Rhodes. There are also older pieces from Carla Bley: "King Korn," the deceptively simple "Syndrome," and a little bit of abstraction called "Itcus." SCORPIO is one of Paul Bley's best albums, recorded at an early-'70s artistic peak.

Originally released on Milestone/Fantasy in 1973, this album features bassist David Holland & drummer Barry Altschul.

Recorded at Advantage Studios, New York, New York on November 24, 1972.

Personnel: Paul Bley (piano, electric piano, Fender Rhodes piano, synthesizer); Barry Altschul (drums, percussion).

Recording information: Advantage Studios, New York, NY (11/24/1972).

Personnel includes: Paul Bley (piano, Fender Rhodes piano, ARP synthesizer); David Holland (bass); Barry Altschul (drums).