The Pilgrim And The Stars, recorded in 1975, is from ECM's first decade of existence, and presents early performances of guitarist John Abercrombie, bassist Palle Danielsson, and drummer John Christensen, the latter two of whom were members of pianist Keith Jarrett's "European Quartet"—see Belonging (ECM, 1974).
The music itself sounds remarkably fresh today, which is just an indication that good music is timeless and rises above any stylistic constraints of its era. The compositions, all by Rava (with Graciela Rava added for "By The Sea") vary widely, allowing for an attractive pacing and flow. Overall, there is a strong feeling of each individual performer's freedom intersecting, reacting with, and responding to the group sound of the moment, always, colored, however, by the free romanticism of Rava's trumpet.
Although the album is obviously Rava's through his compositions and trumpet playing, Abercrombie very nearly steals the record with his intense, flying, and completely unpredictable solos, as well as his lush and well-placed, sharp accompaniment.
While all of the tracks have something to offer, the title track and "Bella," besides being the longest, are standouts. Constructed similarly, their opening, rubato sections offer beauty and grace, before the band takes off in the middle, extended sections. It is here that Abercrombie, particularly in "Bella," shines, practically searing the speakers and eliciting a "woo," presumably from Rava.
Danielsson and Christensen, as the rhythm section, are easily taken for granted since their playing is so highly attuned both to each other and to the rest of the band, pushing and pulling the music along. - Budd Kopman
1. The Pilgrim And The Stars
2. Parks
3. Bella
4. Pesce Naufrago
5. Surprise Hotel
6. By The Sea
7. Blancasnow
ENRICO RAVA trumpet
JOHN ABERCROMBIE guitar
PALLE DANIELSSON double-bass
JON CHRISTENSEN drums
All the compositions of Enrico Rava
Recorded June 1975 at Tonstudio Bauer, Ludwigsburg
ECM 1063 / B0011829-02
2. Parks
3. Bella
4. Pesce Naufrago
5. Surprise Hotel
6. By The Sea
7. Blancasnow
ENRICO RAVA trumpet
JOHN ABERCROMBIE guitar
PALLE DANIELSSON double-bass
JON CHRISTENSEN drums
All the compositions of Enrico Rava
Recorded June 1975 at Tonstudio Bauer, Ludwigsburg
ECM 1063 / B0011829-02