Carla Bley - The Lost Chords

[Peterdubya]

The new Carla Bley features a quartet, Carla on piano, Andy Sheppard on reeds, Steve Swallow on bass, and Billy Drummond on drums.

Recorded on tour in 20003 in Europe, this is the Carla Bley CD that I have been waiting for. Her stuff lost me for a while, but her last couple have been getting better and more what I am interested in (blowing, interesting changes, and more challenging music).

I've listened to it a few times now (at work, where phones and other people make it hard to give it full atention) but man, really nice stuff.

Andy Sheppard really plays great, Swallow always plays great, and it's wonderful to hear Bley play just piano.

[Ennis Snavely]

Well. I guess I have to get this one.

Carla is one of my absolute favorite composers and band leaders. It would be nice to hear her with a smaller group. Now we just need to get her to tour the States.

[Peterdubya]

Rumored summer 05 tour.

[mjb]

Picked this up at the weekend ... It has been on almost continuously - excellent all round. Andy Sheppard's playing is indeed remarkable.

Amusing cover as well!

[Ennis Snavely]

Just had my first listen yesterday. Another winner from Carla. She is not a flashy pianist, but she's plays much more than "arranger's" piano (I'm thinking Gil Evans, for example). She has a spare style that kind of reminds me of somoe if Monk's playing on a few of these tunes. Drummond and Swallow lock in together very well on this and Sheppard really shines.

[Nate Dorward]

Eek, the cover!! -- I've been a little lukewarm on the trio CD Songs With Legs--though the gorgeous "Misterioso" & "Crazy With You" are enough to win me over--but maybe this is a little peppier with the drummer added?