Cookie's Corner - #169 - The genius of Carla Bley, Grammy time FYC and a contest for a free download
From Cookie Marenco - Founder and Producer Blue Coast Records and Music
It’s been a hectic few weeks after CAS, followed by recording Fiona Joy Hawkins and Rebecca Daniel then finishing multiple tax returns (long story for another day). As I was thinking about what to write, I heard the news of Carla Bley’s passing…. and my life took a pause. You can read more below.
Buy Two Get One Free is still available at the Blue Coast Music store.. you site for high resolution downloads!
For Your Consideration - Grammy Voting Time is here…
To The Wind - Fiona Joy Hawkins and Rebecca Daniel. Best New Age
Blue Coast Records thanks you in advance.
Carla Bley - a hero in a field of dreams
When I was a budding young avante garde experimental musician (before my recording engineer days), Carla Bley was a hero figure for me. She boldy went to musical places few dared to go. Her concerts were performance art. That she was writing for large ensembles and touring with them is mind boggling. (Anyone who has managed tours knows what I’m talking about).
Fifteen or so years into my career as a recording engineer I was asked to travel to Woodstock, New York and record Carla Bley (keyboards) and her husband Steve Swallow (bassist). It was part of a project with Glen Moore (bassist with a band called Oregon).
Much like my studio, it lived at the lower lever of their home and had most of the same gear my studio has. Same console, MTR-90 Otari 2” machine, lexicon reverbs, etc. It also had a wonderful grand piano and B-3 organ. The house had two streams running on each side and vegetable gardens. I don’t remember much of the sessions, but I do remember the experience of being with Carla and Steve. It was amazing.
On breaks we chatted it up in their kitchen which Carla had outfitted with about 500 bottles of hot sauce she had collected. A special shelf close to the ceiling rounded the room and displayed these bottle like art.
She talked of the difficulty getting gigs in the USA for the big band and found herself traveling to Europe where her music was cherished. It’s a common experience most jazz artists still have today. Though my performing days had passed, I was (and am) an admirer of those that explore the weirder range of sound.
Carla gave me a book Brian Eno had given her. It was a limited edition copy of a book Brian had released on improvisation.
Contest for free download…
If you know the name of the book… write to me and I’ll issue you a free download from our store.
Carla was an American musical treasure. Today we reflect, admire and give thanks to her genius.
Thirty Degrees - CD, free with annual paid subscription!
The album is not available on any streaming services, but we plan on releasing a reissue in early 2024 and sooner at our Blue Coast Music Store. You can read about the restoration process from tape here….
If you’re eager to hear the album, view the 8 page booklet wth the list of credits, we’re going to offer all our annual paid subcribers a FREE copy of the CD, including shipping until the supply runs out. Don’t forget to send us your address!
The offer is only good for subscribers to Cookie’s Corner.
You can also subscribe (separately) to Blue Coast Records and receive a monthly unreleased track free to stream or download. Click below.
As always, thank you for supporting our music and craft!
Cookie Marenco
Producer and Founder