Anat Fort surprised many listeners upon releasing her ECM debut. With bassist Ed Schuller, clarinetist Perry Robinson, and drummer Paul Motian (who was responsible for bringing her to the label’s attention), the Israeli-born pianist gives much room for the quartet to unfurl. Motian’s love for Fort’s writing is apparent in his poetic contributions, particularly in “Not A Dream?” and “Rehaired.” The music itself is melodic yet never saccharine, often surprising in the directions it seems to take of its own volition. Two wonderful free improvs give us insight into what was surely a magical time in the studio.