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Paul Motian
Stephen Paul Motian (March 25, 1931 – November 22, 2011) was an American jazz drummer, percussionist, and composer. Motian played an important role in freeing jazz drummers from strict time-keeping duties.
He first came to prominence in the late 1950s in the piano trio of Bill Evans, and later was a regular in pianist Keith Jarrett’s band for about a decade (c. 1967–1976). Motian began his career as a bandleader in the early 1970s. Perhaps his two most notable groups were a longstanding trio of guitarist Bill Frisell and saxophonist Joe Lovano, and the Electric Bebop Band where he worked mostly with younger musicians on interpretations of bebop standards.
Mark Turner (left) and Paul Motian perform at the Village Vanguard.
Billy Kaye and Paul Motian, at the Village Vanguard.
Paul Motian, performing with pianist Dan Tepfer, at the Cornelia Street Cafe in Manhattan.
Paul Motian at the Village Vanguard in May 2011, on a night he performed with saxophonist Mark Turner.
Paul Motian and Bill Frisell, after an espresso.
Paul Motian with his Trio 2000 2, at the Village Vanguard. L-R: Masabumi Kikuchi, Loren Stillman, Motian, Thomas Morgan, Ben Street.
