Carla Bley – Heavy Heart ( Watt-ECM / 1984 )

This great contemporary jazz record from 1984, still sounding fresh after so many years, is our favorite Carla Bley album, melodic and light and yet carrying a dark undertone. A jazz orchestration masterpiece as well, all pieces composed and arranged by Bley, suiting the style of each musician. Definitely one of the best examples of the unique style of 80’s top session guitarist Hiram Bullock. The dialogue between Bullock and Bley in “Talking Hearts” is hauntingly beautiful.

Track Listing :

1. Light or Dark
2. Talking Hearts
3. Joyful Noise
4. Ending It
5. Starting Again
6. Heavy Heart

Musicians / Personnel :

Carla Bley – organ, synthesizer
Michael Mantler – trumpet
Steve Slagle – alto saxophone, baritone saxophone, flute
Gary Valente – trombone
Earl McIntyre – tuba
Kenny Kirkland – piano
Hiram Bullock – guitar
Steve Swallow – bass guitar
Victor Lewis – drums
Manolo Badrena – percussion