Sextet

Album Description

"Sextet," released in March 1987, is a captivating exploration into the avant-garde jazz landscape by the renowned Carla Bley. This album, recorded at Grog Kill Studio in Willow, NY, showcases Bley's unique compositional style and her mastery of the organ, accompanied by an exceptional ensemble of musicians including Hiram Bullock on guitar, Larry Willis on piano, Steve Swallow on bass, Victor Lewis on drums, and Don Alias on percussion.

"Sextet" stands out as a radical departure from Bley's previous big band works, delving into a more intimate and electric chamber ensemble sound. The album's six tracks, including standout pieces like "More Brahms" and "The Girl Who Cried Champagne," exemplify Bley's knack for blending jazz with rock influences, creating a sound that is both melodic and unpredictably captivating. The album's duration of 41 minutes is packed with excellent musicianship and a harmonious fusion of styles that sets it apart from the more traditional jazz recordings of its time.

Bley, a pioneer in the jazz world, co-founded the Jazz Composer's Orchestra in 1965, dedicated to encouraging new compositions. Her work on "Sextet" continues this legacy, offering a fresh and innovative perspective within the jazz genre. The album's release on the Watt/ECM label further underscores its significance in the jazz canon, making it a compelling addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection.

1 mrt 1987

℗ 1987 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.