Release Date: 17 June 2013
Label: ECM Records
Packaging Type: Jewel Case
No of Units: 1
Barcode: 602527983806
Genres: Jazz Contemporary
Description
Praising a previous incarnation of Steve Swallow's quintet, The Times described the band "as near a perfect display of small-group jazz - robust yet exquisitely poised". The description holds true for the latest edition of the bassist's quintet and its album Into the Woodwork. Swallow leads the group - including his longtime partner in music and life, Carla Bley, on organ - in multi-hued performances of a dozen original compositions from his pen. Recorded in the south of France, the album accommodates atmospheric grace and loping grooves, wry humour and understated virtuosity.
Hushed opener "Sad Old Candle" reveals the subtle beauties of this band, with Swallow and Bley joined in ensemble intimacy by saxophonist Chris Cheek, guitarist Steve Cardenas and drummer Jorge Rossy. "From Whom It May Concern" sees Cheek sing a sad-eyed melody on his saxophone, with a limpid solo from Cardenas to follow. It's Rossy to the fore in "Back in Action," with his funky solos defining the track. "Exit Stage Left" begins with the ever-distinctive fluidity of Swallow's electric bass - a sound that has propelled the veteran to the top of the critics and readers polls in DownBeat year in and year out. "Into the Woodwork" is jazz of character, with ingrained melody and warmth.
Steve Swallow has played with many of the major figures of contemporary jazz and post-bebop music, beginning in 1960 when he first met Paul and Carla Bley. Soon he was playing in the Paul Bley Trio, Jimmy Giuffre Trio and George Russell Sextet with Eric Dolphy. After playing with Gary Burton in Stan Getz's group, he joined the vibraphonist's band, playing in most of Burton's ensembles over a 20-year period. Swallow has performed on Carla Bley's recordings since 1978. His albums as a leader or co-leader have appeared on XtraWatt, WATT and ECM, and include Are We There Yet?, Damaged in Transit, Deconstructed, Real Book, Go Together, Swallow, Duets, Carla, Home and So There.
Personnel: Steve Swallow (bass), Carla Bley (organ), Chris Cheek (tenor saxophone), Steve Cardenas (guitar), Jorge Rossy (drums)
Tracklisting
Vijay Iyer; Wadada Leo Smith
Anouar Brahem; Anja Lechner; Django Bates; Dave Holland
Patrick Demenga; Latvian State Academic Choir; Youth Choir Kamer; Riga Cathedral Boys Choir; Andres
Nicolas Masson; Colin Vallon; Patrice Moret; Lionel Friedli
Various artists
Yuval Cohen Quartet
Thomas Stronen; Craig Taborn; Chris Potter; Sinikka Langeland; Jorge Rossy
Stephan Micus
Enemy
Niran Dasika
Richard Baratta
Jim Snidero
Brittany Davis
Sun-Mi Hong
Steve Millhouse
Ron McClure Trio
