Are We There Yet?

Album Description

"Are We There Yet?" is a captivating live album by Carla Bley, recorded in collaboration with Steve Swallow during their tour in the fall of 1998 and released in June 1999. This album is a testament to Bley's unique voice in the world of jazz, blending free jazz elements with more traditional jazz structures. The seven-track album, spanning 47 minutes, showcases Bley's idiosyncratic yet accessible style, with a mix of original compositions and unique interpretations of classic pieces.

The album opens with "Major," a lively and energetic piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album. "A Dog's Life" follows, a longer, more introspective piece that highlights Bley's piano skills and Swallow's bass prowess. The duo's rendition of "Satie For Two" is a standout, offering a fresh perspective on the classic composition. "Lost In The Stars" is another highlight, with Bley's delicate piano work taking center stage. The album also includes "King Korn," a playful and upbeat number, and "Playing With Water," a more abstract and experimental piece.

The album concludes with "Musique Mecanique," a three-part suite that showcases the duo's improvisational skills and their ability to create complex, interwoven musical dialogues. Throughout the album, Bley and Swallow's chemistry is evident, their playing complementing and challenging each other in equal measure.

"Are We There Yet?" is a live album that captures the energy and spontaneity of a live performance, while also showcasing the depth and complexity of Bley and Swallow's musical relationship. It's a compelling listen for jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering a unique perspective on the genre. The album was released by Watt and is a great addition to any jazz collection.

21 juni 1999

℗ 1999 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.