With just bass and drums you'd probably expect this to be an eclectic, avant garde album, and you'd be right. I concur with the other reviewers that the duo are communicating with each other at a masterful level. Still, I couldn't help missing a more distinct melody line at times. If you're up for something different, good and well executed, then you won't be disappointed.
This is the first duo recording by Parker and Drake and illustrates why this is one of the best pairings in all of jazz. Without the presence of other musicians, Parker and Drake’s intuitive musical connection is even more obvious and stunning. With meditative as well as swinging moments, the album moves along a wide emotional spectrum. AUM Fidelity has re-released this album -- after a few years of being out of print -- with even more songs. As noted on its website, "the Saturday night prior to our Monday studio session, AUM hosted a live performance right here in our Brooklyn HQ, and we arranged for a high fidelity multi-track recording of this as well." This live performance appears on the re-release not available on e-music. However, download this version and hope e-music will add the updated version later. You won't be disappointed. And if you enjoy this album, download its companion piece -- Summer Snow -- by Parker and Drake.
This album made steam come out my ears and my head nearly exploded.
Forget your favorite hip-hop production team: these are the best, baddest grooves you're going to hear all year. Two master musicians with open ears, open minds and open hearts. Not nearly as minimal as you'd expect from just a bassist and percussionist, this album has rhythm, melody, harmony and lots more. Don't miss it.
