Steve Swallow’s “So There” is a recording that began as a collaboration with Robert Creeley and became an hommage to the great American poet, who died in 2005 - before the project’s completion. It is more than a “jazz and poetry” disc. The structure of Swallow’s music derives from the structure of Creeley’s verse, and its rhythms are related to Creeley’s readings of his work. “I tried to get inside Bob’s breathing as he spoke the lines. Paradoxically, I think this has resulted in my most heartfelt and personal music.” A finely-focused amalgamation of words and music, with exceptional writing for string quartet, it also leaves expressive freedom for Swallow himself as soloist and for pianist Steve Kuhn, who gives one of the most comprehensive performances of his career. Both words and music trigger powerful associations, new layers of meanings opening with each listening.

1 Oh No  

2 Names  

3 Here Again  

4 Ambition  

5 Indians  

6 Histoire De Florida  

7 Sufi Sam Christian  

8 Later  

9 Wellington, New Zeeland  

10 Miles  

11 Just In Time  

12 Return  

13 Echo  

14 Sad Advice  

15 Riddle  

16 Blue Moon  

17 I Know a Man  

18 A Valentine For Pen