Time and Time Again

On their final album together, this trio led by drummer Paul Motian traffic in hypnotic opulence, melding clouds of humid texture and gorgeous melody, moody atmosphere and rumbling friction. Guitarist Bill Frisell’s gossamer-fine lines mesh with the leader’s stuttering patter to create a lush foundation that gives saxophonist Joe Lovano plenty of space for tender, probing solos. Motian’s ballad “Wednesday” is a marvel of interplay, with Frisell and Lovano spinning beautifully lilting phrases in tandem, while a stroll through Monk’s “Light Blue” glides rather than struts.