Carla Bley, Andy Shappard, Steve Swallow - Songs With Legs (1995)

Carla Bley performs originals in a trio setting, with frequent partner Steve Swallow and an alumnus of her big bands, English saxophonist Andy Sheppard. He shines on tenor and soprano, and clearly has empathic partners. Between judicious contributions, Bley helps out Swallow in the drummerless rhythm section. Fine collaboration, as well as faultless writing and arranging, is her forte, rather than sheer piano chops. As for Swallow, his electric bass sings and lilts, with an attention to his partners that is truly impressive. He steps out front sparingly and effectively. The pieces are all by Bley except Thelonious Monk's "Misterioso," heard here in Bley's fine arrangement. Other highlights are a fittingly galumphing "Wrong Key Donkey" and a swaying "The Lord Is Listenin' to Ya, Hallelujah," where Bley rejoices in the chapel, as her big band would do so successfully a couple of years later on Goes to Church. The album takes her far from the grandeur and bulk of the big-band work, but it has the same intricacy and subtle play of convention and invention.