Meaning: This quote by Carla Bley, a renowned American jazz composer, pianist, and bandleader, offers a unique insight into her approach to creating music. The quote reflects Bley's distinctive style and the way she approaches the composition of chords in her music. Let's delve deeper into the meaning behind this intriguing statement.

In essence, Bley's quote suggests that she prefers chords that are rich and harmonious, but with some of the complexity or "lush parts" removed. This approach to chord composition aligns with Bley's reputation for crafting music that is both sophisticated and accessible. By creating chords that are lush yet stripped of some complexity, Bley achieves a balance that allows her music to be intricate without being overwhelming.

Carla Bley is known for her innovative compositions and arrangements that often blend elements of jazz, classical music, and avant-garde influences. Her music is characterized by its harmonic richness, melodic inventiveness, and a playful sense of humor. Bley's quote reflects her desire to create music that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating, a goal that has been central to her artistic vision throughout her career.

Furthermore, Bley's approach to chords aligns with her broader musical philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of simplicity and clarity in composition. By selectively removing certain elements from lush chords, Bley creates a sense of spaciousness and transparency in her music, allowing each note and harmony to shine through with clarity and purpose.

It's worth noting that Bley's quote also speaks to the idea that restraint and subtlety can be just as powerful as complexity in music. By carefully curating the lushness of her chords, Bley demonstrates a keen understanding of the expressive potential of musical minimalism. This approach allows her to create music that is deeply evocative and emotionally resonant, without relying on excessive ornamentation or complexity.

In the context of jazz and contemporary music, Bley's quote can be seen as a testament to the enduring power of restraint and refinement in artistic expression. It serves as a reminder that musical beauty can often be found in the spaces between the notes, and that a judicious approach to composition can yield rich and compelling results.

Overall, Carla Bley's quote offers a thought-provoking glimpse into her creative process and musical sensibility. It reveals her commitment to crafting music that is both lush and refined, and it speaks to her ability to strike a delicate balance between complexity and clarity in her compositions. By distilling lush chords to their essential elements, Bley demonstrates her mastery of musical expression and her unwavering dedication to creating music that is as captivating as it is thought-provoking.