When Will The Blues Leave

Album Description

Experience the timeless artistry of Paul Bley with "When Will The Blues Leave," a captivating live album recorded at the Aula Magna STS in Lugano-Trevano, Switzerland, in 1999, but released two decades later in 2019. This album is a testament to Bley's mastery of the piano, accompanied by the stellar talents of Gary Peacock on double bass and Paul Motian on drums. The ensemble delivers a mesmerizing blend of free jazz, cool jazz, and contemporary jazz, showcasing their improvisational skills and deep musical connection.

The album takes its name from the Ornette Coleman composition "When Will The Blues Leave," which serves as a leitmotif throughout the performance. This track, along with other jazz standards and original compositions, highlights the trio's ability to interpret and reimagine classic pieces with a fresh and innovative approach. The setlist includes live renditions of "Mazatlan," "Flame," "Told You So," "Moor," "Longer," "Dialogue Amour," "I Loves You Porgy," and the titular track, all recorded in a single, electrifying performance.

"When Will The Blues Leave" is a rare and precious addition to the discography of Paul Bley, offering a glimpse into his collaborative work with Peacock and Motian. The album's 56-minute duration is packed with rich, textured sounds and spontaneous moments that capture the essence of live jazz performance. Released under the prestigious ECM Records label, this album is a celebration of jazz innovation and the enduring legacy of Paul Bley.

May 31, 2019

℗ 2019 ECM Records GmbH, under exclusive license to Deutsche Grammophon GmbH, Berlin

About Paul Bley

Paul Bley, a pioneering figure in the jazz world, was a Canadian pianist and composer whose innovative spirit and technical prowess left an indelible mark on the genre. Born in Montreal in 1932, Bley's career spanned over six decades, during which he contributed significantly to the free jazz movement of the 1960s and pushed the boundaries of trio playing. His music, characterized by its deep originality and aesthetic aggression, has been celebrated for its thoughtfulness and intuitive commitment to advanced improvisation.

Bley's extensive discography includes influential recordings from the 1950s through to his solo piano works of the 2000s. He collaborated with some of the most influential musicians of his time, including Charlie Parker, Ornette Coleman, Sonny Rollins, and Pat Metheny. Beyond his work on the piano, Bley was also an early adopter of synthesizers, notably the Moog and ARP, incorporating them into his live performances and recordings.

His compositions often featured a blend of nostalgia and reflection, with a gentle hint of the blues, creating a compelling and deeply personal musical experience. Bley's legacy as one of the most influential jazz pianists and composers of the 20th century is undeniable, making him a founding father of avant-garde jazz.