The Lost Chords Find Paolo Fresu

Album Description

Released in 2007 on the Watt label, "The Lost Chords Find Paolo Fresu" is a captivating journey into the world of free jazz, helmed by the renowned Carla Bley. This album is a testament to Bley's prowess as a composer, bandleader, and keyboardist, featuring a stellar lineup that includes Andy Sheppard on saxophone, Steve Swallow on bass, and Billy Drummond on drums, with the addition of Italian trumpeter Paolo Fresu.

The album's nine tracks, spanning a total of 55 minutes, are a delightful blend of improvisation and structured composition. From the whimsical "One Banana" to the introspective "Liver Of Life" and the epic "Death Of Superman / Dream Sequence#1 - Flying," each piece offers a unique sonic experience. The album's title track, "The Lost Chords Find Paolo Fresu," is a standout, showcasing the quartet's exceptional chemistry and Bley's knack for storytelling through music.

Recorded in France and produced by Bley and Swallow, the album is a testament to the power of collaboration and the joy of musical discovery. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a curious newcomer, "The Lost Chords Find Paolo Fresu" promises an engaging and rewarding listening experience.

October 26, 2007

℗ 2007 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.