It Takes Two

I’m infatuated with a trio of new duo recordings by masters of improvised music.  Less is indeed more on these masterful musicians’ spare demonstrations.  Their controlled chaos reflects the epoch of uncertainty.

Martial Solal and Dave Liebman- Masters In Paris
How is it possible that a man born in Algeria in 1927 is among the most inventive pianists working in the new millenium?  Eighty-eight years old when this session with the storied saxophonist Dave Liebman transpired in 2016, Solal made a case for being the best pianist alive on inventive readings of standards.  “Coming Yesterday,” the Solal composition closing the live set, sounds just as essential as the more familiar material.  Here’s
video evidence of the sorcery.

Tomeka Reid and Alexander Hawkins- Shards and Constellations
The seemingly ubiquitous cellist Tomeka Reid is among my favorite musicians of the moment.  She and the British pianist  Alexander Hawkins pair well on thrilling free-range explorations.  Skronk-averse listeners are encouraged to begin with the sublime “Peace on You.”

James Taylor Lewis and Chad Taylor- Live in Willisau
Saxophonist James Taylor Lewis and drummer Chad Taylor achieve a propulsive sense of forward momentum during their vigorous appearance at a Swiss avant-garde jazz festival.   They leave no room for piano or bass.


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I review Jackie Meyers’ new album Clementine at Plastic Sax.

(Original image by There Stands the Glass.)