ANTHONY BRAXTON | MARIO PAVONE QUINTET - Seven Standards 1995 (1995) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

In the mid-'90s, Braxton released several recordings featuring himself on piano. While he had written a number of pieces for the instrument (generally in classical mode), on his own these sessions tended to find him "in the tradition" of the standard jazz repertoire. If his playing falls short of other notables who dabbled on the keys (the great Mingus Plays Piano perhaps towering above them all), it forms yet another intriguing aspect of this deep, endlessly fascinating musician. Here, Braxton joins forces with the then current Mario Pavone quartet, an all-star lineup in and of itself with trumpeter Dave Douglas, multi-reed master Thomas Chapin, and drummer Pheeroan Ak Laff. The pieces, as well as Braxton's approach to the piano, tend to ramble albeit with much affection shown toward the material. He sounds a bit like a looser, less organized Don Pullen, beginning his solos inside the changes but inevitably working them into freer territory. His comping behind the other soloists is reasonably competent if perfunctory. It must be said that his voice on piano has little of the distinction or passion expressed on his multiple reeds. The rest of the musicians play the date in a fairly straight manner resulting in an OK blowing session, but all involved have created far more striking work elsewhere. Only the final cut, Coltrane's "Straight Street," really begins to take off. If you desperately need to have an example of Braxton's piano playing in your collection, this release would do better than, say, the double solo set on Justin Time, but it's difficult to make the case for Seven Standards 1995 being essential listening. Brian Olewnick  
Tracklist :
1    Dewey Square 10:50
Written-By – Charlie Parker
2    Autumn In New York 9:00
Written-By – Vernon Duke
3    All Or Nothing At All 5:00
Written-By – Arthor Altman, Jack Lawrance
4    Eronel 8:24
Written-By – Thelonious Monk
5    These Foolish Things Remind Me Of You 10:43
Written-By – E. Maschwitz, Harry Link, J. Strathcy
6    The End Of A Love Affair 12:04
Written-By – Edward C. Redding
7    Staight Street 9:11
Written-By – John Coltrane
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Flute, Piccolo Flute – Thomas Chapin
Bass, Artwork – Mario Pavone
Drums – Pheeroan AkLaff
Piano – Anthony Braxton
Producer – Anthony Braxton, Mario Pavone
Trumpet – Dave Douglas