Answers (album)

Answers is the debut studio album by American jazz pianist and composer Carla Bley. Released in 1968 on the Fontana label, the album is a significant work in the free jazz and avant-garde jazz movements.

The album features a nonet, an ensemble of nine musicians, performing Bley's compositions. The instrumentation includes horns, reeds, and a rhythm section, creating a dense and textured sound. Key personnel include Mike Mantler (trumpet), Steve Lacy (soprano saxophone), and Roswell Rudd (trombone).

Answers is characterized by its complex arrangements, improvisational elements, and exploration of unconventional harmonies and rhythms. Bley's compositions often blend composed sections with opportunities for spontaneous interaction and improvisation among the musicians. The album is notable for its extended durations and its ambitious scope, pushing the boundaries of traditional jazz forms.

While not a commercially successful album upon its release, Answers has gained recognition over time as a pioneering work and a significant contribution to the development of avant-garde jazz. It showcases Bley's unique compositional voice and her ability to orchestrate complex musical ideas for a larger ensemble. It remains a highly regarded album among jazz aficionados and musicians interested in experimental and progressive approaches to jazz music.