Carla Bley - The Very Big Carla Bley Band (Vinyl)

Latter day entry point to jazz envelope-pusher

One of the most innovative and creative jazz-based composers alive today, Bley has explored funk, rock and more, while dragging jazz along behind her, kicking and screaming. The 70s were an especially dazzling time for Bley. This 1991 album is, however, surprisingly traditional, and crams 18 musicians into the same room with her to boot. Its forthright jazz bop doesn’t scare the pants off you like her earlier releases did and, thus, would be a good entry point into Bley’s world.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Watt/ECM | LP 847 942-1

Reviewed by Paul Rigby
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