4 X 4

Album Description

Carla Bley's "4 X 4," released on September 25, 2000, under the Watt label, is a captivating journey into the world of free jazz, showcasing Bley's unique compositional style and her mastery of the genre. This album features five extended tracks, each with a runtime ranging from 7.46 to 15.34 minutes, providing a rich and immersive listening experience.

The album opens with "Blues In 12 Bars - Blues In 12 Other Bars," a playful and intricate piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Other standout tracks include "Sidewinders In Paradise," "Les Trois Lagons (d'après Henri Matisse)," "Baseball," and "Útviklingssang," each offering a unique blend of jazz and free jazz elements.

"4 X 4" is a collaborative effort, featuring an ensemble of talented musicians including Lew Soloff, Wolfgang Puschnig, Andy Sheppard, Larry Goldings, Victor Lewis, and Steve Swallow. Their collective virtuosity brings Bley's compositions to life, creating a dynamic and engaging soundscape.

The album's duration is approximately 55 minutes, offering a substantial body of work that jazz enthusiasts will appreciate. Whether you're a long-time fan of Carla Bley or new to her work, "4 X 4" is an excellent addition to any jazz collection, highlighting Bley's innovative approach to composition and her enduring influence on the genre.

25 september 2000

℗ 2000 WATT Works Inc./ECM Records GmbH, under exclusive license to Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

About Carla Bley

Carla Bley, a titan of jazz composition and performance, left an indelible mark on the genre with her innovative and emotionally resonant work. Born in America, Bley was a pivotal figure in the free jazz movement of the 1960s, known for her bold avant-garde compositions and her ability to create music that was both intellectually stimulating and deeply moving. Her magnum opus, the jazz opera "Escalator over the Hill," showcased her unique vision and storytelling prowess. Throughout her career, Bley's compositions were performed by a who's who of jazz greats, including Gary Burton, John Scofield, and her ex-husband Paul Bley. A pioneer in independent record labels, Bley recorded over two dozen albums between 1966 and 2019, continually pushing the boundaries of jazz. Her Trio, active for over two decades, was her primary vehicle for musical expression in her later years. Bley's wit and individualism were as legendary as her music, earning her the nickname "Countess Bleysie" among fellow musicians. Her passing in 2023 marked the end of an era, but her influential body of work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.