Trios

Album Description

"Trios" is a captivating album by the renowned jazz composer and pianist Carla Bley, featuring long-time collaborators saxophonist Andy Sheppard and bassist Steve Swallow. Recorded in April 2013 at the Auditorio Radiotelevisione svizzera in Lugano and released later that year on ECM Records, this album marks the first time these three musicians have recorded together as a trio since their 1994 album "Songs with Legs." The album is a testament to their enduring musical chemistry and features a blend of free jazz and traditional jazz elements.

The album opens with "Útviklingssang," a piece that showcases Carla Bley's signature compositional style, followed by "Vashkar," a track that highlights the trio's improvisational prowess. "Les trois lagons (d'après Henri Matisse)" is a multi-part suite inspired by the works of Henri Matisse, demonstrating the group's ability to convey visual art through sound. "Wildlife" and "The Girl Who Cried Champagne" round out the album, each offering a unique perspective on Carla Bley's rich musical vocabulary.

"Trios" is a remarkable collection of reimagined classic compositions, recorded with the meticulous production standards that ECM is known for. The album's 56-minute runtime is filled with intricate piano work, soulful saxophone melodies, and a steady, supportive bass line, making it a standout addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection. This album is a celebration of Carla Bley's enduring influence in the world of jazz and a testament to the power of long-term musical collaborations.

6 sep 2013

℗ 2013 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.