Gordon Grdina, Gary Peacock, Paul Motian - Think Like the Waves (2006) [SACD]

It’s not every jazz musician who doubles on guitar and oud (the centuries-old Middle Eastern forerunner of the mandolin), but Gordon Grdina makes the combination work. He brought 14 difficult originals to the studio for a recording session with veterans Gary Peacock and Paul Motian, drawing on his interest in blending elements of Arabic music and various jazz genres. When Grdina is playing oud, the songs often seem like they evolved spontaneously in the studio, especially the meandering “Platform” and the dark “Renunciation.” On guitar, Grdina’s gift for spaciousness and lyricism in the longing “Distant” sounds reminiscent of Jim Hall. The brooding “Cobble Hill” is another striking performance. While Peacock and Motian had their work cut out for them engaging this music, they provide terrific interaction with Gordon Grdina throughout the sessions.

Tracks:

1. Yellow Spot into the Sun
2. Different Places
3. Platform
4. Renunciation
5. Morning Moon
6. Ginger Root
7. 100 Years
8. Distant
9. Combustion
10. Think Like the Waves
11. Cobble Hill
12. Albert the Monk
13. String Quartet #6
14. Strathcona

Personnel:

Gordon Grdina, guitar, oud
Gary Peacock, bass
Paul Motian, drums