Last Night When We Were Young
Paul Motian · Other Songs - Paul Motian
Love was a star, a song unsung
Life was so new, so real so right
Ages ago last night
Today the world is old
You flew away and time grew cold
Where is that star that shone so bright
Ages ago last night?
To think that spring had depended
On merely this: a look, a kiss
To think that something so splendid
Could slip away in one little daybreak
So now, let's reminisce
And recollect the sighs and the kisses
The arms that clung
When we were young last night
Last Night When We Were Young
Paul Motian's 'Last Night When We Were Young' stands as a quintessential example of his mastery within the hard bop and modal jazz traditions. As a pianist renowned for his rhythmic sophistication and melodic inventiveness, Motian often infused standard repertoire with a unique, swinging energy that recontextualized familiar material. This recording reflects his ability to blend technical precision with emotional depth, characteristic of his work during the 1960s and beyond. The track exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the era, showcasing Motian's role as a versatile session leader who could navigate complex harmonic structures while maintaining a relaxed, groove-oriented feel. His interpretations of such standards contributed significantly to the evolution of jazz piano, influencing generations of musicians who followed in his wake.