The Swallow Quintet - Into the Woodwork (2013)

Praising a previous incarnation of Steve Swallow's quintet, The Times described the band "as near a perfect display of small-group jazz - robust yet exquisitely poised". The description holds true for the latest edition of the bassist's quintet and its album Into the Woodwork. Swallow leads the group - including his longtime partner in music and life, Carla Bley, on organ - in multi-hued performances of a dozen original compositions from his pen. Recorded in the south of France, the album accommodates atmospheric grace and loping grooves, wry humour and understated virtuosity.

Hushed opener "Sad Old Candle" reveals the subtle beauties of this band, with Swallow and Bley joined in ensemble intimacy by saxophonist Chris Cheek, guitarist Steve Cardenas and drummer Jorge Rossy. "From Whom It May Concern" sees Cheek sing a sad-eyed melody on his saxophone, with a limpid solo from Cardenas to follow. It's Rossy to the fore in "Back in Action," with his funky solos defining the track. "Exit Stage Left" begins with the ever-distinctive fluidity of Swallow's electric bass - a sound that has propelled the veteran to the top of the critics and readers polls in DownBeat year in and year out. "Into the Woodwork" is jazz of character, with ingrained melody and warmth.

Steve Swallow has played with many of the major figures of contemporary jazz and post-bebop music, beginning in 1960 when he first met Paul and Carla Bley. Soon he was playing in the Paul Bley Trio, Jimmy Giuffre Trio and George Russell Sextet with Eric Dolphy. After playing with Gary Burton in Stan Getz's group, he joined the vibraphonist's band, playing in most of Burton's ensembles over a 20-year period. Swallow has performed on Carla Bley's recordings since 1978. His albums as a leader or co-leader have appeared on XtraWatt, WATT and ECM, and include Are We There Yet?, Damaged in Transit, Deconstructed, Real Book, Go Together, Swallow, Duets, Carla, Home and So There.

Tracklist:

1. Sad Old Candle
2. Into the Woodwork
3. From Whom It May Concern
4. Back in Action
5. Grisly Business
6. Unnatural Causes
7. The Butler Did It
8. Suitable for Framing
9. Small Comfort
10. Still There
11. Never Know
12. Exit Stage Left

Personnel:

Steve Swallow (bass),
Carla Bley (organ),
Chris Cheek (tenor saxophone),
Steve Cardenas (guitar),
Jorge Rossy (drums).