Texas 1978

Album Description

"Texas 1978" is a captivating live album by the legendary Carla Bley, capturing a rare and exhilarating performance at the iconic Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, Texas, on March 27, 1978. This release, set to hit shelves on February 7, 2025, via Off Beat, offers a unique glimpse into Bley's genre-bending prowess and her enduring influence on the jazz world.

The album features a mesmerizing setlist that includes "Radio Introductions," "440," "Isle of Pene," "Jesus Maria & Other Spanish Strains," and "Drinking Music," all performed live with the raw energy and spontaneity that only a live setting can provide. The concert concludes with an enigmatic "Encore (Unknown Title)," adding an air of mystery to the collection.

Carla Bley, renowned for her avant-garde compositions and unique writing style, delivers a powerful performance that showcases her mastery of free jazz. This live recording is a testament to her innovative spirit and her ability to push the boundaries of traditional jazz. Fans of Carla Bley and enthusiasts of live jazz performances will find "Texas 1978" to be an essential addition to their collection, offering a rare opportunity to experience Bley's genius in a live setting. The album, spanning 58 minutes, is a vivid snapshot of a pivotal moment in Bley's career, capturing the essence of her artistic vision and her enduring impact on the genre.

7 feb 2025

2025 Off Beat

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.