Carla Bley's 1993 recording Big Band Theory features her 18-piece orchestra playing three rather moody and atmospheric originals, plus a straightforward rendition of Charles Mingus' "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat." Listeners expecting the rambunctious humor that was present in some of Bley's earlier big band albums will be disappointed, but there is quite a bit of beauty on this set, particularly during the dramatic slow section of "Birds of Paradise" and the strangely episodic "On the Stage in Cages." Key among the soloists are trumpeter Lew Soloff, trombonist Gary Valente, altoist Wolfgang Puschnig, Andy Sheppard on tenor, and violinist Alex Balanescu. But overall this set (which is enjoyable enough) is less memorable than one would expect from Carla Bley. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
01. On the Stage in Cages (Carla Bley)
02. Birds of Paradise (Carla Bley)
03. Goodbye Pork Pie Hat (Charles Mingus / arr. Carla Bley)
04. Fresh Impression (Carla Bley)
WOLFGANG PUSCHNIG alto saxophone, flute
CARLA BLEY piano, arranger
JULIAN ARGÜELLES baritone saxophone
STEVE SWALLOW bass
DENNIS MACKREL drums
KAREN MANTLER organ
ROGER JANNOTTA soprano saxophone, flute
PETE HURT tenor saxophone
ANDY SHEPPARD tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
ANNIE WHITEHEAD trombone
GARY VALENTE trombone
RICHARD EDWARDS trombone (2)
ASHLEY SLATER bass trombone
CLAUDE DEPPA trumpet
GUY BARKER trumpet
LEW SOLOFF trumpet
STEVE WATERMAN trumpet
ALEX BALANESCU violin
Birds of Paradise was commissioned by The 1992 Glasgow Jazz Fstival
Watt Works – WATT/25, ECM Records – 519 966 - 2