Bassist Mario Pavone was a crucial fixture on New York’s post-bop and free jazz scenes, a rhythmic monster that routinely attracted superb players in his bands. He died on 15 May at 80 following a long battle with cancer, but the disease didn’t diminish his wherewithal enough to arrange for this searing live date in late March, as he knew his life was winding down. Joined by pianist Matt Mitchell and drummer Tyshawn Sorey with special guest trumpeter Dave Ballou, he carried on with his work, using his full-bodied tone and unerring time to anchor muscular yet agile grooves and sturdy melodic schemes, nothing more, nothing less, as he lived his work for decades. His direct themes take hold and allow for copious exploration without ever relinquishing a buzzing energy and pulsing clarity. There’s something profound that his final statement was a simple affirmation of his life’s work.