Customer Reviews

Sextet

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Sextet represents the ultimate stripping down of Carla's bands - to only rhythm instruments. As a result, the tone is very different from her larger ensembles, but she gets the most out of her sidemen.

The tunes are vintage Bley. For example, Lawns is an achingly beautiful piece with a haunting solo by Larry (Lawns) Willis. Hiram Bullock gets to strut his stuff on the intense and muscular Healing Power, a tune which was a treat to see performed live.

Each band member gets an opportunity to shine, Carla on "The Girl Who Cried Champagne" (she gets even more room on the companion album, Steve Swallow's "Carla"); Steve Swallow on "Brooklyn Bridge," etc.

While very different than her larger ensembles, the sextet produces engaging and compelling music that will stay with you a long time.

It's a measure of the caliber of Bley's listenership that there's nothing I can add to the previous succinct reviews: Larry Willis' rendering of 'Lawns' is indeed sublime and I'm trying not to overly flog it and lose the magic. Hiram Bullock rips into his guitar solos with biting phrases that Eric Gale would recognise, and such rich production values you'd imagine a Larry Carlton clone with actual fire in his belly. Bley herself delivers her usual magic and surprises, but the album's joy is the platform it gives each member of the band. Vaut l'attention.

A very nice listening experience. Perhaps the best track is "Lawns" featuring Larry Willis on piano,a version of which John Scofield does on his new CD A Moments Peace.
Other tracks feature the late great Hiram Bullock on guitar.
Carla Bley-Organ, Hiram Bullock-Guitar,Larry Willis-Piano,Steve Swallow-Bass,
Victor Lewis-Drums ,Don Alias-Percussion.

I was unaware of Ms. Bley and her musical talents,as I do love jazz and avante-garde music. This lady really has it going on, her music is not only refreshingly different, but also outstandingly suave,I think is the best way to put it. I think her melodius tone will bend anyones ear who likes cool jazz.