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Carla BleyAmerican jazz composer
Date of Birth: 11.05.1936
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Carla Bley: A Jazz Icon
- The New York Connection
- The Jazz Composer's Guild and Beyond
- Guggenheim Fellowship and WATT Records
- Carla Bley Band
- Critical Recognition and Awards
- Solo Success and Collaborations
- 4X4 and The Lost Chords
- Later Years and Legacy
Carla Bley: A Jazz Icon
Early Life and InfluencesCarla Bley was born on May 11, 1936, in Oakland, California. Her father, a musician himself, introduced her to music at a young age. Enraptured by jazz in her youth, she moved to New York City, where she met pianist Paul Bley.
The New York Connection
Carla's relationship with Paul Bley brought her to Los Angeles, where they performed at the Hillcrest Club. Inspired by the vibrant jazz scene, she began composing her own music. Returning to New York in the early 1960s, she worked as a coat checker at Basin Street and the Jazz Gallery to attend as many concerts as possible.
The Jazz Composer's Guild and Beyond
Carla's involvement in the Jazz Composer's Guild led to her encounter with Michael Mantler. Together, they co-founded The Jazz Composer's Orchestra. She left Paul Bley for Mantler, and in 1966, they welcomed their daughter, Karen.
Guggenheim Fellowship and WATT Records
Carla's Guggenheim Fellowship in 1972 enabled her to embark on a new chapter with Mantler. They established WATT Records, releasing their collaborative album "Tropic Appetites" as the label's debut.
Carla Bley Band
In 1976, Carla formed the Carla Bley Band, which toured extensively throughout Europe and Japan for six years. WATT released five albums by the group, including their arrangement of Nino Rota's score for Federico Fellini's film "Otto e Menzo."
Critical Recognition and Awards
Despite mixed reception for albums such as "Heavy Heart" and "Night-Glo," Carla's stature as a composer grew. She received the Deutscher Schallplattenpreis award, was named Composer of the Year by Jazz Times, and was honored as Jazz Musician of the Year by Hi Fi Vision.
Solo Success and Collaborations
While teaching at the College of William and Mary, Carla released her album "Very Big Carla Bley Band," earning her the Jazz Moderne Prize from the French Jazz Academy. She parted ways with Mantler in 1991 and soon became romantically involved with bassist Steve Swallow, collaborating with him on the album "Go Together."
4X4 and The Lost Chords
Carla Bley's band continued touring in 1993, and their album "Big Band Theory" was nominated for a Grammy Award. From 1993 to 2000, she performed regularly as part of a trio with Swallow and saxophonist Andy Sheppard. In 1998, she founded the band 4X4, which toured Europe in 2000. Carla and Swallow collaborated extensively with various jazz ensembles from the US, Luxembourg, Italy, and Portugal.
Later Years and Legacy
Carla Bley's album "Looking for America" (2002) received another Grammy nomination. The Trio expanded to a quartet with the addition of drummer Billy Drummond, forming The Lost Chords. They toured Europe in 2003 and 2004, and in 2005, the quartet performed throughout America. In 2006, Carla served as Artist-in-Residence at the Essen Philharmonic in Germany, collaborating with the Carla Bley Big Band and recording a new album.
Carla Bley remains an influential figure in the jazz world, known for her innovative compositions and groundbreaking collaborations. Her work continues to inspire and challenge listeners, leaving an enduring mark on the genre.
