Carla Bley, a pioneering figure in the world of avant-garde jazz, presents a captivating exploration of sound and improvisation with her 2000 release, "4 X 4." This album, a testament to Bley's innovative spirit, blends free jazz with traditional jazz elements, creating a unique and engaging listening experience.
"4 X 4" features five tracks, each offering a distinct journey through the realms of jazz. The album opens with "Blues In 12 Bars - Blues In 12 Other Bars," a playful take on the classic blues structure, followed by the intriguing "Sidewinders In Paradise." Bley's compositional prowess shines in "Les Trois Lagons (d'après Henri Matisse)," a piece inspired by the renowned artist's work. The album also includes "Baseball," a track that infuses the spirit of the sport into its musical fabric, and concludes with "Útviklingssang," a piece that showcases Bley's ability to blend jazz with other musical influences.
Recorded under the Watt label, "4 X 4" spans a duration of 55 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of sound that highlights Bley's mastery of her craft. The album is a celebration of jazz's boundless possibilities, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the intricate layers of melody, rhythm, and improvisation that define Carla Bley's extraordinary musical vision.