Life Goes On

Carla Bley's 'Life Goes On' is a masterful studio album, released on ECM Records on 14 February 2020, which showcases the profound camaraderie and musical synergy of her longstanding trio with saxophonist Andy Sheppard and bass guitarist Steve Swallow. This 10-track album, featuring a duration of 56 minutes, is a brilliant expression of the trio's unique sound, blending free jazz and jazz elements with remarkable finesse.

The album comprises three suites, each highlighting Bley's exceptional compositional skills, her gift for soloing, and the trio's distinctive deadpan minimalism. The title track, 'Life Goes On', is a four-song suite that exemplifies the trio's ability to craft intricate, nuanced music. With Steve Swallow's five-string electric bass guitar setting the tone, Carla Bley's piano amplifies the melody, creating a captivating soundscape.

As a pianist and composer, Carla Bley has been illuminating the jazz scene for decades, and 'Life Goes On' is a testament to her enduring creativity and inspiration. The album's tracks, including 'Beautiful Telephones' and 'Copycat', demonstrate the trio's remarkable chemistry and their ability to push the boundaries of jazz. With 'Life Goes On', Carla Bley, Andy Sheppard, and Steve Swallow have created an album that is both a celebration of their musical partnership and a showcase for their individual talents.

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.

Life Goes On

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