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Evan Parker / Urs Leimgruber: Twine

By Mark Corroto
August 2, 2010
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Twine, from saxophonists Evan Parker and Urs Leimgruber, is perhaps named for two strands twisted together to make a much stronger thread. The subtitle, however, might just be two saxophonists separated at birth.

Most people familiar with the legendary Parker know his unique sound and reign as the sovereign of freely improvised tenor and soprano saxophone. He has worked in just about every combination from thrilling solo performance to his large Electro-Acoustic Ensembles.

Swiss-born Leimgruber is less well-known; a player with all Parker's tools and eight years his junior, the saxophonist has recorded with the likes of

Christy Doran

guitar
b.1949

" data-original-title="" title="">Christy Doran,

Fredy Studer

drums
b.1948

" data-original-title="" title="">Fredy Studer,

Marilyn Crispell

piano
b.1947

" data-original-title="" title="">Marilyn Crispell,

Joëlle Léandre

bass
b.1951

" data-original-title="" title="">Jo?lle L��andre, and as a solo artist, and can be heard on Chicago Solo (Leo, 2010), Albeit (Jazzwerkstatt, 2010) and with OM on Willisau (Intakt, 2010). The pair might not have been separated at birth, but they are certainly brothers of the same mothers.

Parker is now famous for his duo performances with

Joe McPhee

woodwinds
b.1939

" data-original-title="" title="">Joe McPhee,

Anthony Braxton

woodwinds
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Anthony Braxton,

Steve Lacy

saxophone, soprano
1934 - 2004

" data-original-title="" title="">Steve Lacy, and

Lol Coxhill

saxophone, soprano
b.1932

" data-original-title="" title="">Lol Coxhill. With Leimgruber, he finds a near perfect DNA match. The pair trades what may be considered Parker-patented flutters, overtones, high-pitched banter, and low swats. Distinguishing one player from the other is difficult as both speak the same language.

The three longish pieces deliver endless fascination. "Twirl" begins with a high register exploration that could easily be a call-and-response from exotic birds. Played until exhaustion, the piece resolves itself with an ornithological silence. Both "Twist" and "Twine" involve interplay and conversation instead of competition. Neither saxophonist chooses to shout to make his point. An astounding recording.

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Track Listing

Twine; Twirl; Twist.

Personnel

Evan Parker

saxophone, soprano

Evan Parker: soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone; Urs Leimgruber: soprano saxophone, tenor saxophone.

Album information

Title: Twine | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Clean Feed Records

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