The Wire (p.74) - "Carla Bley's compositions essay a concise, emotional shorthand, where nuances like shifting harmonies or realigned rhythms suggest dark moods, romantic trysts, or alienated feelings."
Down Beat (p.71) - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 - "Bley's humor is part of a multifaceted sensibility."
JazzTimes (pp.81-2) - "[I]f great jazz playing involves fresh harmonic thinking and ensemble give-and-take, this is some of the best jazz playing around."
Personnel: Carla Bley (piano); Andy Shepard (soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone); Steve Swallow (bass guitar); Billy Drummond (drums).
Recording information: Europe (2003).
Pianist/composer Carla Bley strikes again with another predictably unpredictable and enchanting album. Bley has written for a variety of contexts--big bands (GOES TO CHURCH), groove-driven soul-jazz (DINNER MUSIC), jazz-rock fusion opera (ESCALATOR OVER THE HILL), and hard bop (4X4). With the live recording THE LOST CHORDS, she (finally) tackles the jazz quartet framework. The results are nine imaginative, quirky tunes played with an appealing, earthy directness.
Bley seems to be getting in touch with her inner Thelonious Monk, since the music here is genially lyrical, succinct, and swinging. Andy Shepard's tenor has a confidently full sound (in the manner of Branford Marsalis and late-1950s John Coltrane) and his soprano sax has a tone that's both soothing and intense. Longtime collaborator Steve Swallow plays his electric bass in a melodic fashion that anchors the proceedings, and drummer Billy Drummond is old-school in the best way, with Connie Kay-style grace and subtlety, and Elvin Jones-like thundering. Here, Bley continues to do what she does best--jazz that is both warmly welcoming and boldly creative.