ROOM

This is a wonderful set (56+ minutes) of Jim Hall-inspired jazz from two players--one, Julian Lage, relatively new on the scene, the other, Nels Cline, well known in guitar circles--who have the ability to combine their individual approaches to jazz guitar into an almost seamless, intuitive blend of playing. The sound is very good--especially with headphones.The majority of compositions are from Cline, with two tunes solely from Lage. Even playing duets the style of both players is easily heard throughout this album. Cline has a sound that's a bit more angular, sometimes recalling Bill Frisell's angular work, where Lage combines his more melodic style with some edgier playing. Across this album you can hear just how far Lage's playing has progressed from his days with Gary Burton or Fred Hersch.But don't think this is a modern Jim Hall set of tunes--it's not. A good example is Cline's "The Scent Of Light", with it's open texture and arrangement close to outside jazz guitar playing. For fans of more traditional, straight ahead jazz guitar this will be a bit of a challenge. But this tune is a good example of jazz that rewards the listener the more you hear it. And the same could be said for all the tunes here--they require your full attention to reap the rewards of such deep, intuitive playing.Listen to "Whispers From Eve", a beautiful tune that only just slips into some abstract playing between Cline and Lage. At times this sounds like something a modern Jim Hall might play--melodic but with an open edge to it. Cline also sounds similar to John Abercrombie's early acoustic playing with Lage echoing Cline in spots. "Blues, Too" (from Cline, dedicated to Hall) is another seemingly non-melodic tune until you go below the surface and hear how closely the duo is listening to each other. This is a beautiful tune--especially with headphones. You may also hear the early duets between Bert Jansch and John Renbourn in spots when both Lage and Cline are playing acoustic guitars. "Freesia/The Bond" is a lengthy impressionistic, beautiful look at both players abilities--a highlight.If you're looking for straight ahead, traditionally melodic jazz guitar this may not be for you. Cline has been stretching his musical legs for years in bands like his Nels Cline Singers, among others. And Lage has grown immensely from his early days with Burton. He too is exploring other ways of playing jazz guitar, and with Cline they have succeeded in combining newer jazz guitar sounds, with Hall never really too far away from the foundation of what this duo is playing. You just have to listen closely before Hall's approach becomes subtly evident. A good album of contemporary jazz guitar but that requires effort on the part of the listener to fully grasp and enjoy this duo's music.

This album had sounds my ears had been craving for a long time. I didn't even know this is what I had been looking for until I heard it. Their blend of avant-garde with melody is among the best to ever do it. The way they improvise and listen together is on a level that many can only dream of. The album contains a lot of variety and has concepts that will appeal to well versed avant-garde listeners and newer ones, like I was. If "Abstract 12" scares you, keep listening. "Racy", "Freesia/The Bond", "Whispers of Eve", and "Odd End" are all fairly accessible compositions that provide an entry to the more challenging listens on the album. This duo and their music really changed the way I hear and think about music. I highly recommend this album to anyone who loves improvisation and listening.

Great album. My favorite by Nels. Pretty mellow. Would highly recommend for any Jazz fan.

I'm a big fan of Nels Cline and his work with Wilco, but this record is my first let down. It's readily apparent that both of these guys are very talented players, but this record is little more than what you'd hear them noodle around with backstage. This record does have it's moments, but not nearly as many as the last Nels Cline Singers album boasted.

thanks

Tasty jazz that's out there. Two genius guitarists. Not for everyone but what is?

Great cd.

beautiful music

Ich bin begeistert. Es haben sich schon so viele Gitarren-Duos für Aufnahmen zusammen gefunden. Aus meiner Zeit stammen z.B. Coryell/Catherine oder Abercrombie/Towner und da gab es bestimmt noch viele mehr.Und diese Aufnahme fesselt mich vom 1. bis zum letzten Ton. Spielspass und Spielfreude kommt bei mir an.

Guitar duo are a musical delight to the ears !

Excellent