EVAN PARKER | KEITH ROWE - Dark Rags (2000) FLAC (tracks), lossless

This is not the first time Evan Parker and Keith Rowe have recorded together, but what makes these two lengthy live improvisations so compelling is the seamless and almost uncanny way in which the musicians meld their creative concepts. Rowe is a surprisingly effective partner for the more aggressive Parker, as the former lays down alternatively minimalist and complex layers of electronic fabric that the saxophonist integrates in his blowing. There is always a sense of equal pairing, of smorgasbords of ambient clouds rising up in swirls of interlocking embraces. Curiously, neither of the tracks ever grows tedious, even though both hover at the 40-minute mark, and there is a certain static quality throughout. This is utterly fascinating fare, with Rowe's low-key electronics occasionally adding humor, and Parker adjusting his sometimes frenetic style by lowering the volume and bouncing delicately off the manipulated noises. Somehow, Rowe brings out qualities in the saxophonist's playing that are not usually heard; the results are often thrilling. Steve Loewy
Tracklist :
1    Dark Rags # 1    37:22
2    Dark Rags # 2    40:25
Credits :
Guitar, Electronics, Music By – Keith Rowe
Tenor Saxophone, Music By – Evan Parker

DEREK BAILEY | STEVE LACY - Outcome (1983-1999) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This is only the second recorded collaboration between guitarist Derek Bailey and soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy, and while the rarity of the event adds to the thrill, there is little question of the outstanding results produced on this particular occasion. As critic Jon Morgan points out in the liner notes, Lacy and Bailey embrace different concepts of improvisation, yet neither sacrifices any of his individuality to meet the other on common ground. There is little of the conversational quality so often found when musical giants play in tandem. Instead, the five pieces reflect two performers in peak form, each of whom displays his abilities to the fullest. Lacy has rarely sounded better, taking full advantage of the freedom of Bailey's electric guitar. While you are not likely to hear an ounce of familiarity in Bailey's contribution (he always seems sui generis), the guitarist continues to amaze with his independence and originality. Anyone even modestly interested in either Lacy or Bailey will wish to hear this one. Steve Loewy
Tracklist :
1 Input #1 16:54
Derek Bailey / Steve Lacy

2 Input #2 13:40

Derek Bailey / Steve Lacy
3 Input #3 8:08
Derek Bailey / Steve Lacy

4 Input #4 16:03

Derek Bailey / Steve Lacy

5 Input #5 5:27

Derek Bailey / Steve Lacy

Credits :

Electric Guitar – Derek Bailey
Soprano Saxophone – Steve Lacy