Are We There Yet?

Album Description

"Are We There Yet?" is a captivating live album that captures the dynamic duo of Carla Bley and Steve Swallow in a series of intimate duets, recorded during their European tour in 1998. This album, released on June 21, 1999, under the Watt label, is the third in a series of duet albums from the pair, following "Duets" (1988) and "Go Together" (1992). Carla Bley, renowned for her unique compositional style and virtuosic piano playing, teams up with bassist Steve Swallow to deliver a set of seven enchanting performances that blend free jazz and traditional jazz elements seamlessly.

The album features a mix of original compositions and reinterpretations of classic pieces. Carla Bley's signature style is evident throughout, with her distinctive piano playing that is both delicate and powerful. The album opens with "Major," a live performance that sets the tone for the rest of the set, showcasing Bley's ability to blend structure and improvisation. "A Dog's Life" and "Satie For Two" offer a more introspective mood, while "King Korn" brings a swinging energy that highlights Bley's Monk-inspired playing. The album also includes a live performance of "Musique Mecanique," a three-part composition that showcases the duo's versatility and musical chemistry.

"Are We There Yet?" is a testament to the enduring partnership between Carla Bley and Steve Swallow, offering a glimpse into their collaborative process and the depth of their musical connection. With its engaging performances and diverse repertoire, this album is a standout in the duo's discography and a must-listen for fans of jazz and free jazz. The album's 47-minute runtime is filled with moments of brilliance, making it a valuable addition to any music collection.

June 21, 1999

℗ 1999 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.