Jazz Hot Record of the Year 1972
Stereo Review Jazz Album of the Year
Circle was a band on fire with creativity. Chick Corea and Dave Holland had just left Miles Davis’s band, keen to explore all parameters of new music in an improvised context. Anthony Braxton, equally inspired by Stockhausen and Coltrane, brought in new directions from the AACM. Barry Altschul’s resumé included extensive work with Paul Bley. Together they were, for a while, matchless. Corea called the Paris Concert (recorded 1971) the realization of a dream. Melody Maker: “Paris Concert is evidence that here was one of the most excitingly talented bands of recent years, for these 94 minutes of music simply burst with vigorous invention.”
Initially published in May 1972, vinyl is reissued in April 2017 as audiophile pressing taken from the original analog tapes.
TRACKLIST
A1 Nefertiti, Composed By – Wayne Shorter 18:26
A2 Song For The Newborn, Composed By – David Holland 7:09
B1 Duet, Composed By – Anthony Braxton, Chick Corea 10:55
B2 Lookout Farm / 73° Kalvin (Variation - 3), Composed By [73° Kalvin (Variation - 3)] – Anthony Braxton, Composed By [Lookout Farm] – Barry Altschul 16:25
C Toy Room - Q & A, Composed By – David Holland 24:44
D No Greater Love, Composed By – Isham Jones, Marty Synes 17:40
3 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Unreal
Too bad it isn't in stock - if you like Chick or Dave, awesome... Braxton plays well within the group
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Masterpiece
It's definitely a crying shame that these guys have been together for so little time. This Paris concert is a superb mix of free jazz, post-bop and avant-garde. By listening to it you can find out why Chick Corea is by far the best pianist ever appeared on the jazz scene since the 60's and why Dave Holland was and still is one of the most important bass players in the world. Barry Altschul is superb as well and yes, Anthony Braxton is not as comfy in playing standards as his bandmates but he fits here great anyway. Although being an item for accustomed ears, this is not to be missed by any real music lover.
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A great live recording
A wonderful accomplishment. Avant-garde Jazz with roots in the tradition. Both daring and subtle.
