Watch Carla Bley Sextet live at Estival Lugano 1986

Carla Bley Sextet live at Estival Lugano 1986 is a musical extravaganza that features the renowned jazz composer and pianist Carla Bley along with bassist Steve Swallow and their talented band members – Hiram Bullock on guitar, Larry Willis on keyboards, Victor Lewis on drums and Don Alias on percussion. The concert was recorded live at the Estival Lugano jazz festival in Switzerland on July 14, 1986, and captures the essence of Carla Bley's unique brand of jazz music.

The film opens with an intro by Carla Bley, where she talks about the inspiration behind her compositions and the influences that have shaped her music. She then takes to the stage, seated at the piano, and launches into the first piece, titled "Útviklingssang." This is a hauntingly beautiful melody that showcases the depths of Carla's piano playing and provides a perfect start to the concert.

As the band members join in, the music picks up pace and energy, with Steve Swallow's bass providing a solid foundation for the rest of the musicians to build upon. The interplay between the different instruments is mesmerizing, with each musician getting their moment in the spotlight as they showcase their virtuosity and improvisational skills.

The second piece, "Reactionary Tango," has a more upbeat and lively tempo, with a Latin-infused rhythm that gets the audience grooving along. This is followed by "Misterioso," a slower, more introspective piece that allows Carla to showcase her compositional skills and her ability to create mood and atmosphere through her music.

The concert continues with a mix of fast-paced, high-energy numbers and mellow, contemplative pieces, with Carla Bley and the band members seamlessly shifting between different genres and styles. One of the highlights of the concert is "Walking Batterie Woman," an intricate and complex piece that showcases the band's technical skill and musical prowess.

Throughout the concert, Carla Bley displays her trademark humor and wit, engaging with the audience and telling stories between songs. Her interactions with Steve Swallow are particularly entertaining, with the two musicians bantering back and forth in a playful and lighthearted manner.

The concert comes to a close with "Gingerbread Boy," a classic jazz tune that has been given a Carla Bley twist. The band members bring their A-game to this final number, putting on a show-stopping performance that leaves the audience cheering and applauding.

Carla Bley Sextet live at Estival Lugano 1986 is a must-watch for any fan of jazz music, showcasing the talent and creativity of one of the genre's true legends. With its mix of different styles and tempos, the concert provides a dynamic and engaging experience from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned jazz aficionado or new to the genre, this film is sure to leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Carla Bley Sextet live at Estival Lugano 1986 is a 1986 music movie with a runtime of 46 minutes.