The Lost Chords

Album Description

Experience the raw, unfiltered genius of Carla Bley with "The Lost Chords," a live album that captures the essence of her unique musical vision. Recorded during her rare 2004 visit to the London Jazz Festival, this album is a testament to Bley's resolutely quirky approach to jazz, where things are never quite what they seem.

Joined by her stellar Lost Chords band—Andy Sheppard on saxophone, Steve Swallow on bass guitar, and Bill Drummond on drums—Bley weaves a tapestry of free jazz that is as intellectually stimulating as it is aurally pleasing. The album features a mix of live performances, including reimagined versions of classic tunes like "3 Blind Mice" and original compositions that showcase Bley's signature style.

With a runtime of just over 54 minutes, "The Lost Chords" is a concise yet powerful collection that highlights Bley's prowess as a pianist and composer. From the playful "Wink Leak / Traps / Leonard Feather" to the introspective "Lost Chords" series, each track offers a glimpse into the mind of one of jazz's most innovative figures.

Released on June 7, 2004, under the Watt label, this album is a must-listen for anyone interested in the free jazz genre and Carla Bley's distinctive sound. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her work, "The Lost Chords" is sure to leave a lasting impression.

7 juni 2004

℗ 2004 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.