Night-Glo

Album Description

Dive into the captivating world of Carla Bley's "Night-Glo," a 1985 jazz masterpiece that showcases the composer, bandleader, and keyboardist's unique vision. Recorded and mixed at Grog Kill Studio in Willow, New York, this album is a testament to Bley's innovative spirit and her collaboration with bassist Steve Swallow, who joined her band in 1978. The duo's musical chemistry is palpable throughout the five tracks, each offering a distinct flavor of free jazz and contemporary jazz.

"Night-Glo" opens with the enchanting "Pretend You're In Love," setting the stage for the album's eclectic journey. The title track, "Night-Glo," follows with its mesmerizing rhythm, while "Rut" and "Crazy With You" delve into more intricate compositions. The album concludes with the epic "Wildlife," a three-part suite that highlights the band's versatility and Bley's compositional prowess.

The album features an impressive lineup, including Carla Bley on organ and synthesizers, Steve Swallow on bass, Larry Willis on electric piano and piano, Hiram Bullock on guitar, Victor Lewis on drums, and Manolo Badrena on percussion. Together, they create a rich tapestry of sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in jazz tradition.

"Night-Glo" was released on November 1, 1985, under the Watt/ECM label, and has since become a beloved addition to the jazz canon. Whether you're a longtime fan of Carla Bley or a newcomer to her work, this album offers a compelling exploration of her artistic vision and her enduring impact on the jazz genre.

November 1, 1985

℗ 1985 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.