Gary Peacock Albums (10)
What The Critics Say
Flexibility isn't an absolutely essential quality for a jazz musician to have; an improviser doesn't have to be incredibly daring or ultra-eclectic to record meaningful, worthwhile albums. But flexibility is certainly a positive quality to have -- not essential, but definitely positive -- and over the years, flexibility has worked quite well for acoustic bassist Gary Peacock, whose résumé includes everyone from Bill Evans and Keith Jarrett to Bill Frisell and Albert Ayler. His willingness to enter a variety of jazz situations has been a plus, and Insight -- it turns out -- is an album of intimate bass/acoustic piano duets with Marc Copland. This 58-minute CD was recorded from 2005-2007; Peacock was in his early seventies, and Copland was in his late fifties. By that time, both of them had long since earned their stripes and paid their share of dues; so neither of them have anything to prove on Insight. Instead, Insight sounds like the work of two musical friends getting together in the studio and having a mutually agreeable post-bop dialogue. That isn't to say that the performances are simplistic; there is plenty of complexity on this disc, which is dominated by Peacock and Copland's own writing but also contains four well-known standards ("Sweet and Lovely," Dave Brubeck's "In Your Own Sweet Way," and the Miles Davis gems "Blue in Green" and "All Blues"). Copland's pianism tends to be impressionistic and cerebral, but for listeners who aren't intimidated by all that complexity and intellect, it is evident that he and Peacock are really enjoying each other's company. Insight fall short of remarkable, although it is still a good, solid demonstration of the positive things that can happen when two seasoned jazz veterans get together. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Gary Peacock's duo album with Bill Frisell is rewarding, though a bit repetitive. Most interesting is the sonic contrast between Peacock's imposing upright bass and Frisell's quirky electric guitar. After eight tracks, however, the appearance of Frisell's acoustic guitar -- on the standard "Good Morning, Heartache" -- comes as a welcome change. Most of the pieces are free improvisations, and while they all have their moments, some wind up treading water. "In Walked Po," an oblique take on the blues, is an exception. "Reciprocity" and "N.O.M.B." are the only originals credited solely to Peacock, leading one to believe they were written before the session. Perhaps not surprisingly, these two tracks are the most coherent on the record. The duo also plays two versions of "Home on the Range" (one would have sufficed), and Peacock renders "Red River Valley" as an unaccompanied solo. For Frisell, at least, this could have been a sign of things soon to come: His Nashville album was released about a year later. ~ David R. Adler, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
This set of duets by bassist Gary Peacock and guitarist Ralph Towner, as one might expect from an ECM album, makes expert use of space and has its quiet moments. But there is a surprising amount of ferocious interplay between the two musicians. They may play at a consistently low volume, but the set of originals has a few rather passionate grooves and a little more energy than one would have predicted. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Tethered Moon, although sometimes listed under bassist Gary Peacock's name and featuring the three musicians as near-equals, is actually led by Japanese pianist Masabumi "Poo" Kikuchi. At times Kikuchi's quiet playing is a little reminiscent of Paul Bley, but his sense of humor (most at evidence during his stretching of the theme of "Misterioso") is his own and he is consistently inventive. Kikuchi, Peacock and drummer Paul Motian work together quite well on these seven selections which consist of three standards, a trio of Peacock compositions, and Kikuchi's lengthy and introspective title cut. Just a few years earlier, Kikuchi was mostly heard on synthesizers, so the thoughtful Tethered Moon was quite a departure for him. Well worth searching for. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Good late '80s session with bassist Gary Peacock heading a group that has saxophonist Jan Garbarek and trumpeter Palle Mikkleborg taking the lead and Peacock working with drummer Peter Erskine in the rhythm section. The only defect comes from ECM's occasional tendency to introduce New Age themes and production values into the mix. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
'Voice from the Past: Paradigm'
Release Date 1/1/1982
Tracks 6
Label ECM
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
This abstract quartet recording by bassist Gary Peacock features Jan Garbarek on tenor and soprano saxes, Tomasz Stanko on trumpet, and Jack DeJohnette on drums. The interplay between Peacock and DeJohnette, captured roughly two years before the release of the first Keith Jarrett standards record, is especially interesting. One only wishes the horns weren't so tinny. Highlights include the freebopping "Moor" (a piece that dates back to the early '60s), the lyrical "Ode for Tomten," and the chill-inducing "Voice From the Past." (The latter resurfaced on 2001's Amaryllis, with Marilyn Crispell and Paul Motian.) ~ David R. Adler, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Bassist Gary Peacock teams up with the underrated pianist Art Lande and drummer Eliot Zigmund for a set of group originals that emphasize close communication between the trio members, really an extension on the innovations of Bill Evans. The interplay between these masterful musicians is more significant than the actual compositions and rewards repeats listenings. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
December Poems consists of four pieces for solo bass and two duets with Jan Garbarek on tenor and soprano sax. More accurately, the opening "Snow Dance" and the closing "Celebrations" are overdubbed bass duos (in part), while "Flower Crystals" pairs Peacock's bass with atmospheric strummed piano, although no piano credit is given. "December Greenwings," one of Peacock's most distinctive compositions, would later reappear on 2001's Amaryllis with Marilyn Crispell and Paul Motian. Despite the sparse and somewhat cold feeling of the record, Peacock's virtuosity and sterling tone are well-served in a solo format, especially so on the stately "A Northern Tale." ~ David R. Adler, All Music Guide
