There is no straightforward German translation for the American word “Serendipity“. It is used when someone is working intensively on something or seeking something, and then stumbles upon something completely different, something extraordinarily gladdening, something he hadn’t known existed. A fine description for this evening in November 1999 in that small Berlin jazz club the “A-Trane”.

Three masters of their instruments, who had played together in the Paul Motian Quintet in the eighties got together for this exclusive guest artists’ performance recorded by Deutschland Funk (German Radio) and now luckily available on CD. The three musicians met the challenge of a trio formation with tenor saxophone, bass and drums – with great concentration. Coltrane is celebrated with his composition “26-2″ and “Lonnie’s Lament”, just as Monk is with “Ba-lue Bolivar Ba-lues are”. The remaining four titles are their own original compositions. Lovano distinguishes himself with his majestic tone and his infinite creativity on solos. Motian drives the trio with his inspiring pulsating beat. Schuller steps out of his role - as part of a rhythm section - again and again, contributing expressive bass lines. The enthusiasm of the Berlin audience is easy to understand.

Hans-Bernd Kittlaus / JazzPodium 6-2009, Page 73
Translated by Aparajita Koch