The Lost Chords

Album Description

Carla Bley, the renowned American composer, bandleader, and keyboardist, presents "The Lost Chords," a captivating live album that showcases her unique blend of free jazz and jazz. Recorded in 2004, this album features Carla Bley on piano, accompanied by the exceptional talents of Andy Sheppard on soprano saxophone, Steve Swallow on bass, and Billy Drummond on drums. Together, they form a quartet that delivers a dynamic and engaging musical experience.

"The Lost Chords" is a testament to Carla Bley's compositional prowess, with the nearly 17-minute three-part suite that closes the album being one of her most beautifully lyrical works. The album opens with a lively rendition of "3 Blind Mice," showcasing the quartet's improvisational skills and tight ensemble playing. Other highlights include "Tropical Depression" and "Red," which demonstrate the band's ability to navigate complex rhythms and harmonies with ease.

The album's nine tracks, spanning 54 minutes, offer a rich tapestry of sounds and textures, from the playful and whimsical to the introspective and profound. Whether you're a longtime fan of Carla Bley or a newcomer to her music, "The Lost Chords" is sure to captivate and inspire. The album was released on June 7, 2004, under the Watt label, and has since become a beloved addition to the jazz canon.

June 7, 2004

℗ 2004 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.