For those interested in the vanishing region between those possible sounds hidden in guitars, saxophones, and all manner of percussive devices, this set of duos is absolutely crucial. Drummer Abbey Rader has a limitless attention span and imagination, whether clattering about on small instruments or beating frenetically, and Maslak’s penchants for sound generation are almost beyond parallel. You might say this is one of free jazz’s best possible directions today. It’s not overhyper or madly caterwauling. It shows enormous thoughtfulness for the partnership at hand. Maslak’s clarinet is as serene as his tenor sax is blunt and blustery. Take this in fearlessly.
There is a distinct feeling that these two retreated into a studio, turned on a tape recorder, and then took off from there to discover a spontaneous meeting ground. The wide anging results are an assortment of abstract, atmospheric, percussive/electronic soundscapes; lilting, pulsing melodic vamps; and searing sax and percussion duets... This is an intimate and heartfelt session well worth checking out.
- Michael Rosenstein