Songs with Legs

Songs with Legs is a live album by the American composer, bandleader and keyboardist Carla Bley with the saxophonist Andy Sheppard and the bass guitarist Steve Swallow recorded in Europe and released on the Watt/ECM label in 1994.

Reception

The AllMusic review by Alex Henderson awarded the album 2½ stars and said, "For those who've said they wish Bley would solo more often, Songs with Legs is an album to hear." A biographer also highlighted her increased focus on piano and improvisation at this period in Bley's career, and highlighted the "soulful, spiritual-like piece 'The Lord Is Listenin' to Ya, Hallelujah!'". The Penguin Guide to Jazz awarded it 3 stars, saying, "She doesn't put a foot wrong throughout."

Track listing

All compositions by Carla Bley except where noted.

1. "Real Life Hits" - 8:08
2. "The Lord Is Listenin' to Ya, Hallelujah!" - 7:48
3. "Chicken" - 8:21
4. "Misterioso" (Thelonious Monk) - 10:20
5. "Wrong Key Donkey" - 12:02
6. "Crazy with You" - 7:37

Personnel

• Carla Bley - piano
• Andy Sheppard - tenor saxophone, soprano saxophone
• Steve Swallow - bass guitar

References