Selected Recordings

Album Description

Dive into the eclectic and innovative world of Carla Bley with her 2004 compilation, "Selected Recordings." This 11-track album, released on ECM Records, offers a captivating journey through the jazz legend's diverse and influential career. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 14 minutes, the album is a testament to Bley's versatility and mastery of free jazz and jazz genres.

"Selected Recordings" features a mix of live and studio performances, showcasing Bley's collaborative spirit and her ability to blend genres seamlessly. The album includes notable tracks like "Baseball," "End Of Vienna," and "Why," each offering a unique perspective on Bley's musical evolution. Collaborations with esteemed musicians like Steve Swallow and Andy Sheppard add depth and richness to the recordings, highlighting Bley's ability to inspire and be inspired by her peers.

The album is part of the "Rarum" series, which presents a fascinating cross-section of Bley's decade-spanning work. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to Carla Bley's music, "Selected Recordings" is an essential addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection. The album's diverse tracklist and high-quality recordings make it a standout release in Bley's discography, offering a comprehensive look at her artistic journey.

26 januari 2004

This Compilation ℗ 2004 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.