Paul Motian dies at 80

American drummer-percussionist Paul Motian, who performed with probably the most influential jazz pianists from the '60s and '70s including Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett and Paul Bley because he advanced the word what of their own instrument, died Tuesday morning in the hometown of Manhattan, where he labored continuously right until a year ago. He was 80. Reason for dying was complications from myelodisplastic syndrome, a bone-marrow disorder. Of Armenian heritage, Motian was famous for his use the legendary Evans trio, which incorporated the bassist Scott LaFaro, that led to the classic tracks "Explorations," "Sunday in the Village Vanguard" and "Waltz for Darlene." When LaFaro experienced an untimely dying inside a vehicle accident at 25, Motian ongoing recording with Evans and various bassists on such albums as "Moonbeams" and "Trio 54," with Chuck Israels and Gary Peacock rounding out individuals ensembles. Motian wound up recording 14 albums with Jarrett between 1967 and 1992 included in the pianist's trio and American quartet, rounded out by bassist Charlie Haden and saxophonist Dewey Redmon, in addition to seven albums with Bley. In keeping with his title, Motian's drumming developed into an progressively free-form style, indicated by shifting time signatures and extensive utilization of cymbals, cow alarms, chimes and the like. Together with Elvin Johnson, Tony Williams and Jack DeJohnette, Motian was accountable for getting the drums towards the forefront of yankee jazz, creating their own music and leading their own groups. After Manfred Eicher released ECM in 1969, Motian headlined several albums for that forward-thinking label, joining a roster of music artists with whom he'd frequently worked with, including Jarrett, Bill Frisell, Peacock, Carla Bley and Don Cherry. Younger crowd recorded for Soul Note Records, JMT Records and Winter & Winter Records. Motian also performed with Thelonious Monk, Lee Konitz and Lennie Tristano. Like a bandleader, Motian recorded a lot more than 30 albums, together with his own trio frequently composed of guitarist Frisell and reedman Joe Lovano. His groups recorded tributes to Monk and Evans and a number of live Broadway albums featuring his understanding of standards. Since Motian first began out playing guitar in the youth, a lot of his designs featured the instrument conspicuously, such as the Electric Bebop Band, which featured multiple various guitars. Contact Steve Chagollan at steve.chagollan@variety.com