alisonboston.com

Moving slowly, yet with determination, Paul Bley came on stage last night at the Festival Theater after a prolonged 45 minute intermission following the performance of his peer, Szabados György.

A long intermission was needed after the intensity of Szabados, who had played an abstract hour-long concert, that culminated with a comical vocal dialogue between the two voices that had dominated his improvisation.

So I was ready for more when Bley’s hands hit the keyboard. Regarded as a musician who delivers both emotions and intelligence, this concert - teamed with Hungary’s saxophonist Borbély Mihály - was no exception.

He started with a 25 minute abstract solo, then Borbély took the stage solo for about 15 minutes, then the duo for another 15 or so…then I was lost and no longer able to keep track. Sweet melodies played in the higher pitches, interspersed with rushing crashes played on the lower notes, evoked an intensely passionate romance. Tears insisted on flooding my eyes and trickling down my cheeks.