PAPATAMUS REDUX

KLAENG RECORDS  (RELEASED DECEMBER 6, 2024)

In The Republic, Plato said that art imitates the objects and events of ordinary life.
Bassist Alex Bayer says a similar thing about A Slight Change of Plans. “Life is full of twists and turns, and so is jazz,” he explains. So, it is no surprise that the music created by Bayer, saxophonist Loren Stillman, pianist Max Arsava and drummer Billy Elgart is fluid, vibrant and ever-changing. There are moments of reflective introspection, unbridled exuberance, unexpected complexity and joyful glee. From the opening track “September 15,” a calming melody befitting of its name, you get the sense that this is truly a group effort. Stillman’s tenor weaves in and out of Arsava’s countermelodies, Bayer’s dark resonant bass lines and Elgart’s shifting rhythms. Unlike traditional jazz quartets, September 15 is a solo performance for the entire band, and one that allows you to experience the tranquility of a late summer day. The more angular and funkier “Granular” features a freer and edgier sax/drum/bass trio section. Bayer’s walking bass lines provides the foundation for a Stillman/Elgart duet and a Bley-like trio section from Arsava/Bayer/Elgart on “Blam.” Bayer introduces the theme of Paul Motian’s “It Should’ve Happened a Long Time Ago,” which evolves as Stillman weaves in and out of the rhythm section and Bayer delivers an impressive bass solo. Bayer and Elgart set the hypnotic tone of “Obsidian” before Arsava enters with well-placed chordal stabs and glissandos. Stillman enters the tune several minutes later swirling around the melody as Arsava provides the rhythmic pulse. Two short free pieces — “Free 1” and “Free 2” provide further evidence of the simpatico that exists between these four musicians. Although Bayer has two earlier albums to his name — Zodiac and Radar — this release caught my attention for two reasons. One, Loren Stillman, typically an alto player, showcases his strong, sinewy approach to the tenor sax on A Slight Change of Plans; and two, drummer Billy Elgart, now in his early 80s, is as fresh and innovative as he was when he first appeared on records with Paul Bley in the late 1960s. Like life itself, A Slight Change of Plans is a journey full of memorable moments.

BOTTOM LINE: By changing the aperture on a camera, you can easily control the depth of field — the area of a photo that is in reasonable focus. The focus is constantly in flux on A Slight Change of Plans.  At times you take in the full picture — the interaction between bassist Alex Bayer, saxophonist Loren Stillman, pianist Max Arsava and drummer Billy Elgart. At other times, one or two of those musicians come into sharper focus as the others recede to the background. Like a great photo, the performance on A Slight Change of Plan is timeless.