On Once Around The Room ECM recording artists and key jazz musicians from several generations unite in a small ensemble to celebrate the musical legacy of drum icon Paul Motian in a big way. Joe Lovano and Jakob Bro lead a party of seven through fiery originals that recall the idioms and idiosyncrasies which Motian brought to light over six influential decades behind the drums. \n\n

Lovano and Motian had been intimate colleagues for many years with their most notable collaboration being the groundbreaking trio featuring Bill Frisell – the lineup released three albums on ECM. Jakob Bro on the other hand made his ECM debut on Paul’s album Garden of Eden (2006). On Once Around The Room , compositions by Joe and Jakob appear alongside collective improvisation and Motian’s own “Drum Music”, seamlessly tied together and developed by an accomplished musical collective with stalwarts Larry Grenadier, Thomas Morgan and Anders Christensen respectively on bass as well as drummers Joey Baron and Jorge Rossy.\n\n

Joe Lovano: tenor saxophone, tarogato\n

Jakob Bro: guitar\n

Larry Grenadier, Thomas Morgan: double bass\n

Anders Christensen: bass guitar\n

Joey Baro, Jorge Rossy: drums\n\n

“Much more than a tribute, Once Around The Room captures his spirit and walks with it to a performance that has a compelling sense of vibrant celebration as well as solemn recognition of greatness.” – **** Jazzwise\n\n

“Both leaders are steeped in Motian’s music…It finds Lovano and Bro in fine form, drawing on the collective energy of two drummers and two double basses working as one.” – **** Financial Times\n\n

“Acolytes all of the late Paul Motian, Bro and Lovano, lead Once Around The Room through a meditative investigation of the collective soul…It is a needed affirmation not only to the memory and vitality of Motian but also to our need for one on one communication.” – **** All About Jazz