The Wire 354 (UK) - Daniel Spicer
Erb / Baker „Bottervagl“ (veto-rec/exchange 006)
... two garrulous old friends arguing, occasionally disagreeing with vehemence, but eventually finding their way through to amicably shared conclusions. There’s a sense of truth-seeking and constant negotiation permeating these pieces. On „Tximeleta“ Chicago pianist Baker strikes out into melodramatic two-handed constructions, prompting sharp, darting interrogations from the tenor sax – as though Swiss reedman Erb is asking, „ are you sure, are you really sure“? before setting on a final, lambent reconciliation. On „Motyl“, Erb’s succinct, open-throated honesty confines Baker to inhibited, hand-width perambulations, eventually allowing him determined little runs up the keys that politely tuck back in at the last moment. Erb’s switch to bass clarinet on „Kupu-kupu“ signals a more introspective mood, to which Baker sympathetically responds with vulnerable, reflective ripples.
credits
released March 25, 2013
Christoph Erb, tenor saxophone and bass clarinet
Jim Baker, piano
All tracks by Christoph Erb and Jim Baker
Recorded on April 15th, 2012 at Kingsize Studio, Chicago by John Abbey