As It Grows

This often-stark trio set features pianist Russ Lossing improvising fairly freely in a purposeful and relaxed manner, even when the tempo is rapid. He is expert at using space, and in some ways is a step beyond Paul Bley and Keith Jarrett, although he is not particularly derivative of any earlier pianist. Bassist Ed Schuller and veteran drummer Paul Motian, who were both on Lossing's previous CD, Dreamer, are very supportive and stimulating, yet are also content to be very much in the background for stretches. Lossing, who contributed all ten compositions (including the last five which are subtitled "Suite of Time"), is influenced by modern classical music to an extent but his playing is not unremittingly atonal. Instead, he leaves his impressionistic music open to all possibilities, mostly emphasizing dramatic ideas and unexpected silences. Although one wishes that the dry music were leavened with some wit here and there, the music overall holds one's interest.