Tropic Appetites

Album Description

"Tropic Appetites," released by Carla Bley in January 1974, is a captivating journey into the world of free jazz, showcasing Bley's unique compositional style and her mastery of the genre. This album, originally released on the Watt label, features a compelling lineup of tracks that blend improvisation with structured melodies, creating a rich and dynamic listening experience.

The album opens with "What Will Be Left Between Us And The Moon Tonight?" setting the stage for a series of innovative and thought-provoking pieces. Tracks like "In India" and "Enormous Tots" highlight Bley's ability to craft intricate and engaging compositions that push the boundaries of traditional jazz. The album's standout moments include the whimsical "Funnybird Song" and the exotic "Indonesian Dock Sucking Supreme," which showcase Bley's eclectic influences and her knack for blending disparate elements into a cohesive whole.

"Tropic Appetites" is a testament to Carla Bley's artistic vision and her enduring impact on the jazz world. With a runtime of 47 minutes, the album offers a concise yet powerful exploration of free jazz, making it a valuable addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection. The album's unique blend of improvisation and composition, along with its diverse range of influences, ensures that it remains a timeless classic in the genre.

1 januari 1974

℗ 1974 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.