Sad Old Candle
Into The Woodwork
From Whom It May Concern
Back In Action
Grisly Business
Unnatural Causes
The Butler Did It
Suitable For Framing
Small Comfort
Still There
Never Know
Exit Stage Left
Chris Cheek (tenor sax), Steve Cardenas (guitar), Carla Bley (organ), Steve Swallow (bass), Jorge Rossy (drums)
rec. November 16-16, 2011 at Studios La Buisonne, Pernes-Les-Fontaines, France.
[56:21]
Right from the early 1970s when he turned his back on acoustic bass and became one of the few jazz musicians to concentrate solely on electric bass Steve
Swallow has carved himself an enviable position in that field. This is the eighth disc he has made together with his partner Carla Bley and all the
compositions are his. From Whom It May Concern and Back In Action each feature some nice moments, especially from Chris Cheek’s sax while
Steve Cardenas’ guitar shines brightly on Unnatural Causes. Those two musicians in fact are the saviours here for my main problem with the disc is
that I find it all too bland for my tastes with tunes that meander along pleasantly enough but with ‘no particular place to go’. Some of the tracks are
almost in the category of ‘middle of the road’ or ‘cool jazz’ and I found myself longing for something to be grabbed by the seat of its pants and given a
proper blast. A fast and furious tune followed by a gentle ballad is normal but the majority of these tunes are so laid back it was difficult at times not
to get the feeling of them all blending into each other and indeed they frequently do segue that way. Having just reviewed a record of Gerry Mulligan may
have spoiled me somewhat but surely jazz in the 21st century should be carving itself some new territory and not be too outshone by something
recorded nearly 40 years ago. Next up for review is a four disc box of Wayne Shorter with recordings spanning the years 1959-62 which will be a welcome
change after this.
Steve Arloff
CD Reviews
ECM RECORDS XtraWATT/13 2798380
