Bley / Sheppard / Swallow Life Goes On

"Musical mastery of a rare order" is how The Telegraph recently described the unique, collective sound of Carla Bley's long-standing trio. The striking album of three suites of new music begins with a stoical blues, at first melancholic then hopeful. The second piece is full of plenty of Bley's dark wit, and the third explores the notion of call-and-response Throughout, Carla's distinctive piano is beautifully framed by Swallow's eloquent, elegant bass guitar and Sheppard's yearning saxes.