Today's selections are a 2025 tribute album, a 1989 album by the tributee, and a 2023 video tribute. 😁
Pianist/composer/arranger/bandleader/Latin Jazz icon Arturo "O'Farrill and his orchestra accomplished what they set out to do, which was to honor Carla Bley's vision and virtuosity while producing an album of stylish and entertaining Afro Latin jazz." Jack Bowers/AllAboutJazz. There's actually alotta tempo changes and a bit of a wild ride. This would be labelled 'Progressive Big Band' by some, and is actually light on the 'Latin' touch. The orchestra is tight.
A post below is about Arturo's Grammy nominated album Virtual Birdland, with videos, and alotta info on him and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra (ALJO). Arturo produces a regular Vlog, also called 'Virtual Birdland,' that is definitely worth a look and a subscription. Arturo's website ; Wikipedia ; Allmusic ; Discogs. ALJO Discogs. YouTube Channel.
Arturo O'Farrill & The Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra, Mundoagua: Celebrating Carla Bley, full album: YouTube ; Spotify ; Bandcamp
This is on the Big Band 2025 and Jazz Best Albums 2025 playlists at Spotify/Jazz Todayish.
Pianist/composer/arranger/bandleader Carla Bley was an avant-garde jazz icon, with ~12 large ensemble albums and overall >24 releases from 1966 to 2019. Wikipedia ; Allmusic ; Discogs.
"Combining surprising arrangements and pop song melodies, Bley creates a unique jazz language, setting herself apart from both traditionalist bandleaders (Thad Jones) and more avant-garde stylists (George Russell). Fleur Carnivore is one of Bley's best titles and good place to start for newcomers." Stephen Cook/Allmusic. Album Wikipedia ; Discogs. A live album, released in 1989.
Carla Bley, Fleur Carnivore, full album: Spotify
Arturo did a Vlog episode in tribute to Carla, after she passed in 2023,"Virtual Birdland, Episode 167, Remembering Carla Bley." Arturo does some commentary, but this is basically a full music show, with the suite 'Blue Palestine' from the new album. Included is a 2020 Carla small-group video. ~Split between small-group tunes and the ALJO. You should watch this, and subscribe to the ALJO YouTube Channel. 😎
