On its second ECM CD, recorded in New York last year, Fly continues to overturn the conventions of the sax/bass/drums trio. Mark Turner, Larry Grenadier and Jeff Ballard share freedom and responsibilities in a democratically-constituted band of equals, which is never about soloist-and-accompaniment. More often coolheaded and thoughtful than incantatory, the trio’s music subtly interweaves improvisation and composition; there are some deep conversations, and reflections on jazz history, taking place inside it. All three members contribute tunes to the programme of “Year of the Snake”, which builds on the achievements of the earlier “Sky and Country” (“Clever, expert, 100% engaged, and very musical” – The Guardian).

Tracklist:
1. The Western Lands I
2. Festival Tune
3. The Western Lands II
4. Brothersister
5. Diorite
6. Kingston
7. Salt and Pepper
8. The Western Lands III
9. Benj
10. Year of the Snake
11. The Western Lands IV
12. The Western Lands V