This empowering masterpiece of an album succeeds brilliantly on at least three levels: as proof that instrumental jazz can be as powerful a protest music as the lyric-based Woody Guthrie/Bob Dylan tradition; as demonstration that at least one corner of the domestic American opposition to the Bush administration is in strong and resonant form; and as confirmation that Charlie Haden and Carla Bley's shared musical vision for the Liberation Music Orchestra can still produce some of the richest, most singular little big band music it will ever be your pleasure to hear.

Haden says he chose all American composers because he wanted make a statement that "just because you're not for everything that this administration is doing, doesn't mean that you're not patriotic." -- Chris May, All About Jazz

Charlie's jazz (specifically the album Nocturne) is a staple of mine, so it was a huge treat to hear his new album live. if you want to see Charlie Haden's Liberation Music Orchestra featuring Carla Bley, they are doing two shows a night at the Blue Note through Sunday, October 9th.