Carla Bley, Andy Sheppard, and Steve Swallow present newly interpreted classics by Bley on an extraordinary album produced last year in Lugano by Manfred Eicher. Among the pieces are fresh, energetic versions of "Utviklingssang" and "Vashkar," as well as the suites "Les Trois Lagons," "Wildlife," and "The Girl Who Cried Champagne." Carla Bley's distinctive compositions are showcased to impressive effect, each ensemble member delivers a compelling solo, and the trio achieves an unprecedented level of sound quality.
"Trios" marks the first new Carla Bley album to be released directly on ECM, following four decades of releases on ECM's WATT label. The album is among the season's most outstanding jazz releases.