Fleur Carnivore

Album Description

"Fleur Carnivore" is a captivating live album by the renowned composer and pianist Carla Bley, recorded during her 1988 performances at Copenhagen's Montmartre club. This album showcases Bley's extraordinary talent for weaving intricate, yet seemingly effortless, compositions that blend beautiful melodies with the raw energy of free jazz. With a duration of 55 minutes, the album features five tracks that highlight the prowess of Bley's very accomplished big band, including notable musicians like trumpeter Lew Soloff, alto saxophonist Wolfgang Pusching, and trombonist Gary Valente.

The album opens with the title track, "Fleur Carnivore," a piece that sets the tone for the rest of the album with its complex yet accessible sound. "Song Of The Eternal Waiting Of Canute" follows, offering a more introspective and reflective mood. "Ups And Downs" brings a dynamic and upbeat energy, while "The Girl Who Cried Champagne (Parts 1, 2, 3)" is a sprawling, multi-part suite that demonstrates the band's versatility and Bley's compositional genius. The album concludes with "Healing Power," a track that ties the entire experience together with its soothing and healing qualities.

Released on October 1, 1989, under the Watt label, "Fleur Carnivore" is a testament to Carla Bley's enduring influence in the world of jazz. The album is a live document of a remarkable performance, capturing the essence of Bley's unique style and the collective brilliance of her band. Whether you're a longtime fan of Carla Bley or a newcomer to her work, "Fleur Carnivore" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the best of free jazz and big band traditions.

1 okt 1989

℗ 1989 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.