Carla's Christmas Carols
Album ∙ Jazz ∙ 2009
On Carla’s Christmas Carols, the pianist and composer Carla Bley strikes a nice balance between tradition and innovation. The album features instrumental versions of seasonal tunes that should please both fans of Bley’s considerable arranging skills and lovers of these well-worn songs. She is joined by her frequent collaborator Steve Swallow on electric bass, and the Partyka Brass Quintet, a group led by bass trombone and tuba player Ed Partyka. The sounds of celeste, chimes, and glockenspiel appear here and there, providing the tinkly tones we associate with the winter holiday. Swallow brings his signature lead-style bass playing to a mysterious, Spanish-flavored version of “Away In a Manger.” A two-part version of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” evokes the lush orchestrations of Gil Evans. Bley sneaks a couple of originals into the album’s mix, too. “Hell’s Bells” has ringing chimes, swinging solos, walking bass, and a quote from “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.” The track segues into “Jesus Maria,” a quiet piece with solo turns by Bley and Swallow. The album closes with live recordings of “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World.”
Affiliate Token:
Affiliate Campaign Name:
(Optional)
Optional to segment marketing (email, social, etc). Cannot be used to track individual clicks or contain any personal identifiable information. Can contain up to 40 characters. Avoid using ?, /, or & within this field.
Optional to segment marketing (email, social, etc). Cannot be used to track individual clicks or contain any personal identifiable information. Can contain up to 40 characters. Avoid using ?, /, or & within this field.
ITSCG Token:
ITSCG parameter is a group-level token for the Apple Services Performance Partners Program. This value can never be changed and must always remain the same in your affiliate links.
ITSCG parameter is a group-level token for the Apple Services Performance Partners Program. This value can never be changed and must always remain the same in your affiliate links.
ITSCT Token:
The ITSCT parameter is a partner-level token for the Apple Services Performance Partners Program. This value is static and should not be changed unless you are a partner who has been provided your own distinct token. If so, you may override the default ITSCT value with your own assigned value.
The ITSCT parameter is a partner-level token for the Apple Services Performance Partners Program. This value is static and should not be changed unless you are a partner who has been provided your own distinct token. If so, you may override the default ITSCT value with your own assigned value.
Content Link
Short Link
Preview Player
The player is responsive. Its width will automatically expand to fit mobile and desktop layouts
The player is responsive. Its width will automatically expand to fit mobile and desktop layouts