Duets

Album Description

"Duets" is a captivating 1988 album by Carla Bley, a renowned figure in the world of jazz and free jazz. This album is a testament to Bley's musical prowess, featuring her dynamic piano work alongside the equally talented Steve Swallow on bass. Recorded in 1988, the album captures the essence of their live duet performances, which spanned across Europe, the United States, South America, and Japan.

The album comprises eight tracks, each offering a unique blend of jazz and free jazz elements. From the playful "Baby Baby" to the introspective "Remember," and the complex "Reactionary Tango - Parts 1, 2, 3," every song showcases the duo's exceptional chemistry and musical synergy. The album's highlight, "Romantic Notions # 3," is a standout piece that exemplifies Bley's compositional genius.

"Duets" is a must-listen for jazz enthusiasts and those who appreciate innovative and adventurous music. The album's 54-minute duration is filled with intricate melodies, improvisational brilliance, and a deep sense of musical conversation between Bley and Swallow. This album is a true representation of Carla Bley's artistic vision and her significant contributions to the jazz genre.

7 november 1988

℗ 1988 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.