The Swallow Quintet - Into the Woodwork [Hi-Res Remastering] (2016)

Swallow leads tge group - including his longtime partner in music and life, Carla Bley, on organ - in multi-hued performances of a dizen original compositions from his pen. Recorded in the south of France, the album accommodates atmospheric grace and loping grooves, wry humor and understated virtuousity. Hushed opener "Sad Old Candle" reveals the subtle beauties of this band, with Swallow and Bley joined in ensemble intimacy by saxophonist Chris Creek, guitarist Steve Cardenas and drummer Jorge Rossy. Into The Woodwork is jazz of character, with ingrained melody and warmth.