Birthdays

Guitarist John Russell teams up with percussionist Roger Turner for this set of ten highly unusual, totally improvised duos. These performances exemplify the English approach to radical free improvisation: acoustic, atonal, and raw, with much attention to space and timbre. Russell and Turner listen very closely to each other, and while they are each disciples of the ping and pop school of music, the interaction between them is never less than engrossing. Even at their most intense, there is a feeling of total control, of complete mastery of the form. Russell cajoles little sounds from the guitar, but also rapidly articulates cacophonous clusters. Turner revels in his kit, which sounds substantial; yet he emanates a regal sensitivity that merges finely with the guitarist's spartan style. Not to be pigeonholed, these selections combine fine elements of several genres to create a unique tapestry of sound. ~ Steve Loewy|