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Bill Elgart

Bill Elgart, often credited as Billy Elgart is one of many American jazz musicians who have settled in Europe. Quite often based out of Munich, Elgart's credits include appearances on some choice Paul Bley records, an appropriate bandleader to bring up in this context as he has in his own biographical writings explained what has come to be known as the "Bley test" for American jazz musicians trying to settle in Europe. Whether or not Elgart was able to pass this test, he seems to have successfully replaced Paul Motian in Bley's band in the early 70's, and jazz listeners have the opportunity to directly compare the two drummers on several albums on which they both appear, including the early ECM release Paul Bley With Gary Peacock as well as the album Turning Point, good enough to be released by both the Improvising Artists and Steeplechase labels and also highlighting a rare appearance by tenor saxophonist John Gilmore outside the interplanetary confines of the Sun Ra Arkestra. Elgart has also collaborated with vibraphonist, pianist, composer and bandleader Karl Berger, appearing on that artist's return to recording following a hiatus, No Man Is An Island on the Knit Classics label.

European musicians seem fond of having Elgart around, as he has appeared in a steady series of interesting bands through the 80's and 90's, with no signs of letting up. He will frequently have a superb rhythm section partner, such as Dave Holland on recordings with trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, or fine bassists such as Ed Schuller and Wayne Darling.

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Album Review

Ab Baars, Meinard Kneer, Bill Elgart: thrīe thrēo drī

Read "thrīe thrēo drī" reviewed by Mark Corroto


The trio of Ab Baars, Meinard Kneer, and Bill Elgart obliges listeners to reflect on how they listen to freely improvised music, not in a concert setting where the listeners' attention is in effect captured, but the act of listening to a performance from recorded format. A fellow critic eschews records, saying that the experience is spurious and lacks the vitality of an in-person attestation. Does his philosophy cut off his nose (or ears) to spite his face? Proof of ...

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Recording

Bill Elgart is Hale and Hearty on Evil Rabbit Records

Bill Elgart is Hale and Hearty on Evil Rabbit Records

Source: Chris Rich

Evil Rabbit is beyond pleased to announce the release of its 18th recording, Modern Primitive, with legendary expatriate American drummer Bill Elgart joined by Jan Klare upending alto sax, clarinet and flute, Jeff Platz getting his guitars ashes hauled and Meinrad Kneer working a double bass til it's near ready for kindling across 9 compositions and a total of 49:46 minutes worth of playing time. Bill is often cited for his legendary solo work, “A Life" , recorded at Yale ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

thrīe thrēo drī

Jazzwerkstatt
2021

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Modern Primitive

Evil Rabbit Records
2011

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The Outernational...

Unit Records
2010

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Sun Dial

Birdology
1985

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