Heavy Heart

Album Description

"Heavy Heart," released on March 1, 1984, under the Watt label, marks a significant shift in Carla Bley's musical journey. This album, clocking in at 38 minutes, is her most accessible and commercially oriented work to date, blending elements of free jazz and traditional jazz into a cohesive and engaging whole. The album features a stellar lineup, including Michael Mantler, Steve Swallow, and Hiram Bullock, who contribute to its rich, layered sound.

"Heavy Heart" opens with "Light Or Dark," setting the tone for the album's introspective yet uplifting atmosphere. Tracks like "Talking Hearts" and "Joyful Noise" showcase Bley's knack for crafting memorable melodies and intricate compositions. The album's title track, "Heavy Heart," is a standout, showcasing Bley's piano prowess and the band's tight ensemble playing. The album concludes with "Starting Again," leaving the audience with a sense of hope and renewal.

For jazz enthusiasts and newcomers alike, "Heavy Heart" offers a unique blend of Carla Bley's signature style and a more commercial appeal, making it a standout addition to any music collection. The album's production quality and the musicians' performances make it a timeless piece of jazz history.

1 maart 1984

℗ 1984 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.