Sextet
Recorded in 1987,Sextetbelongs withHeavy HeartandNight-Gloas a radical departure for Bley from her big bands' frequent high-art mix of satire and experimentation. Here, she's emphasizing relaxed grooves, almost straight-ahead melodies, and a lush carpet of electronic sounds. IfErik Satiehas always been a key inspiration for Bley, this is her equivalent to his "furniture music," intended as functional, comfortable, and lightly entertaining. It's all of that, with Bley's Hammond B-3 creating warm grooves in a polished band ofHiram Bullockon guitar,Larry Willison piano,Victor Lewison drums, Don Alias on percussion, andSteve Swallowon bass. The slow "Lawns" has beautiful piano playing from Willis, while "Healing Power" is restrained, deeply felt gospel. This may aspire to be background music, but it has some surprising depths that take time to reveal themselves.--Stuart Broomer