Carla Bley (pno); Andy Sheppard (sop/ten); Steve Swallow (bs).
Deep explorative seams richly veined with ne'er a note out of places. All three are joined at the hip musically. Each one plowing his or her own furrow but always in sympathy with the other. Sheppard has grown in stature over the years enabling him to stand tall alongside Bley and Swallow who are both equally impressive.
The compositions, all by Bley, I'm led to believe, aren't new having been in her repertoire for a number of years. So, in many ways, this is a nostalgic trip but I'm sure they've brought new ideas to the table. The pianist isn't one of those look how many notes I can play but a sensitive, introvert seeking meaning rather than madness. Swallow is not only rhythmical but melodic too contributing bass guitar lines that could have been played on a guitar - maybe he uses a 5 or 6 string bass?
Sheppard plays both tenor and soprano with insight and much emotion plus a cool, ice-like fluidity on The Girl Who Cried Champagne. This is quite an intriguing piece that takes in many moods.
The trio open in Portugal on September 3 and take in Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Luxembourg, France, Sweden and London's Wigmore Hall on November 24 as part of the London Jazz Festival.
The CD: Carla Bley/Andy Sheppard/Steve Swallows - Trios is released on September 9 on ECM 372 4551.
Lance.
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