Into the Woodwork The Swallow Quintet

• 1 Sad Old Candle 05:19
• 2 Into the Woodwork 05:03
• 3 From Whom It May Concern 05:35
• 4 Back in Action 05:02
• 5 Grisly Business 04:43
• 6 Unnatural Causes 02:49
• 7 The Butler Did It 02:53
• 8 Suitable for Framing 04:26
• 9 Small Comfort 05:29
• 10 Still There 05:33
• 11 Never Know 05:35
• 12 Exit Stage Left 03:47
• Total Runtime 56:14

Info for Into the Woodwork

Praising a previous incarnation of Steve Swallow’s quintet, The Times of London 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. The album accommodates atmospheric grace and loping grooves, wry humor 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 him to the top of critics and readers polls year after year. Into the Woodwork is jazz of character, with ingrained melody and warmth.

“Swallow is an ingenious melodist who leaves a lasting impression by economical means.” (The Guardian)

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

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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 thereafter, 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 played on Carla Bley’s recordings since 1978. His albums as a leader or co-leader have appeared on XtraWatt, WATT and ECM, and they include Always Pack Your Uniform On Top, Are We There Yet?, Damaged in Transit, Deconstructed, Real Book, Go Together, Swallow, Duets, Carla, Home and Hotel Hello.

Booklet for Into the Woodwork