The Lost Chords

Carla Bley

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 13, 2004)
• Original Release Date: July 13, 2004
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ecm Records
• ASIN: B00023BIG0
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #145,574 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

For those accustomed to Carla Bley's recent nudge-and-a-wink big-band efforts and corny post-lounge work, the more grounded pleasures of The Lost Chords may come as something of a surprise. Her compositions are not without their playful side: the elegantly ambulating "Red," she tells us, was named after a chicken friend of hers. Recorded live, with Bley on piano, longtime partner Steve Swallow on bass, young British associate Andy Sheppard on tenor and soprano saxophone, and Billy Drummond on drums, the album radiates a newfound sense of purpose and, possibly, a new outlook on life. Judging by the fragmented melodies and loose, Monk-like structures at play here, Bley's new working band isn't just looking for lost chords, but thriving in the absence of conventional ones. "Three Blind Mice," one of two suite-like pieces, recasts the kids' tune with wide harmonic contrasts, dancing exchanges, and a relaxed funk groove. As an instrumentalist, Bley mainly lends accents, deepens contrasts, and provides direction on the stylistic compass, pointing toward gospel on "Hip Hop." The melodic load is carried by Sheppard, long a comer on the British scene, but here rising to a new level of feathery fluency and tonal strength. Drummond, perhaps best known for his muscle, displays a winning lightness of touch throughout. --Lloyd Sachs

Product Description

This record kicks off with a suite based on "Three Blind Mice" - the first tune Carla learned to play as a child. The music has a nostalgic component, and is witty also in its allusions to modern jazz history, but it swings and dances and has terrific power. **This package includes a 16-page booklet with tour photos and liner notes.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks once again Carla!, July 25, 2004

By	M. Hiraldo (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is intelligent and quirky Carla! There are few artist left in the popular music world making real impact , with true creativity. Look no further...you will surely find creativity in this music. The music (which can be called 'jazz' if you want to narrow it's scope) on this cd will keep you glued to the cd player for months with it's humor and detailed 'arquitecture'. And lets not forget the excellent playing of all involved. Steve Swallow just keeps getting better (check him out with the Scofield Trio live at the Blue Note...and with his own trio too). Excellent recording too! Overall a great cd full of wonderfull music as only Carla Bley can create.