Tropic Appetites

Album Description

Carla Bley's "Tropic Appetites," released in January 1974, is a captivating journey into the world of free jazz, showcasing Bley's unique compositional style and her prowess as a bandleader. This album, recorded between September 1973 and February 1974 at the Blue Rock Studio in New York, is a testament to Bley's innovative approach to jazz, blending intricate arrangements with a sense of spontaneity and playfulness.

The album features eight tracks, each offering a distinct flavor of Bley's musical vision. From the whimsical "Enormous Tots" to the exotic "In India" and the evocative "Song Of The Jungle Stream," Bley's compositions are as diverse as they are engaging. The album's standout track, "What Will Be Left Between Us And The Moon Tonight?," is a hauntingly beautiful piece that highlights Bley's ability to create deeply moving music.

"Tropic Appetites" is a collaborative effort, with lyrics contributed by Bley's friend and fellow musician, Julie Tippetts. The album was engineered by Eddie Korvin and produced by Bley and Michael Mantler, ensuring a high-quality sonic experience. With a duration of 47 minutes, this album is a rich and rewarding listen, offering a deep dive into the world of free jazz.

For fans of Carla Bley's debut album "Escalator over the Hill," "Tropic Appetites" is a natural progression, showcasing her continued evolution as a composer and bandleader. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

1 januari 1974

℗ 1974 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.