It's hard to believe that Mostly Other People Do The Killing (henceforth referred to as MOPDtK) have been together since 2003 and have been releasing recordings since 2005. (a dozen at last count.) Starting as a quartet (leader Moppa Elliott – bass, John Irabagon – reeds, Peter Evans – trumpet and Kevin Shea – drums) they've been through several personnel shifts, occasionally adding members. At one point they were up to a septet. But no matter the size, the band has always maintained its distinct freewheeling approach, high level musicianship, complex yet accessible compositions and musical antics that have made them so popular.
We are pleased to be able to bring MOPDtK back to Bop Shop Records, something we have been wanting to do for several years. Elliott is bringing a unique edition. This will feature MOPDtK as a piano trio featuring new pianist Ron Stabinsky. On record, Stabinsky made his first appearance on Blue, the band’s notorious “reworking” of Miles Davis’ Kind Of Blue recording. Stabinsky subsequently replaced trumpeter Evans on their most recent record, Mauch Chaunk. Stabinsky has also recently released his first solo piano record, the ironically titled Free For One. It’s a bracing set of free improvisations that’s been well-received. We also have to mention bassist Moppa Elliott’s recent solo bass release, Still, Up In The Air which has also received favorable reviews.