| "A unique set of tenor saxophone and guitar duets mainly based on original compositions, with a couple of free improvisations and some pieces by other musicians. Considered by some to be among the best work of both musicians. Solo additions feature three Lowe pieces performed on a collapsing guitar in 1979, and some saxophone recorded in 2000. Reissue of QED LP 995 with extra later material." "The weighty tenor player and the eclectic guitarist perform the original duets (and one solo each) using 16 relatively short exercises in improvised diversity built around basic theme statements. The tunes are uncomplicated starters that allow both musicians to seek alternative paths of diversification in a very short time span. On several of the cuts, Chadbourne's guitar emulates the groaning sound of the tenor in shadowing Lowe's movements, but they go off on tangents from there in very individualistic style. Lowe gets into some very gutteral, near-nasty scenarios as he blows in short staccato blasts. Using tongued outbursts and breathy expressions, he carves the tunes into odd-shaped rows of roughcast blocks while Chadbourne disects them with eerie precision, as would an intent scientist. The concluding solo cuts are deep analyses, allowing each to expound more fully on the material. Chadbourne ranges far and wide in interpreting Lowe's compositions, and Lowe is in fine voice on the recent segment. It is a recording of contrasting musicians who find a common ground for excellent communication."
FRANK RUBOLINO - CADENCE 2001 |