CD Review: Carla Bley, Andy Sheppard, Steve Swallow - Life Goes On

Carla Bley (piano); Andy Sheppard (soprano/tenor saxes);  Steve Swallow (bass guitar).

(Review by Martin)

There was minimal chance that this would be an impartial review as I have been a fan of AS since his early days as a live performer and I have seen him play many times. 

A particularly memorable gig, a walk-around solo concert in Lanercost Priory in 2019, was reviewed on BSH at the time by David Gosling, who concluded, "audience members who were there principally because it was a fundraiser for the Priory were largely won over to "jazz" by  his extraordinary talent."  

I was prompted on being asked to review this CD by Lance to check my (sadly) rarely visited disc library to do a headcount. AS ranks fourth, behind Miles, Mingus and "Bean". 

As for this album, well it comes across as three brilliant musicians having a great time, enjoying each others company and creating lovely music without any sense of artifice. Sheppard's clear, beautiful, almost ethereal tone is one of the most distinctive sounds in contemporary jazz. 

Bley is sympathetic as an accompanist and throws in some seriously sophisticated solos, sounding almost "Monkish" at times. 

Steve Swallow's bass playing is exemplary. These three have played together for many years and it shows. My favourite track is probably the last one, Copycat, but I found all of the music delightful. A real pleasure.

Martin

Available on ECM 2669