Fred Frith, Evan Parker

Victo 40th Anniversary Super Sale. Two legends of free improvisation in, surprisingly, only the 3rd time the two have played as a duo. Which makes the fact that this set was so beautifully captured an indispensable album for anyone interested in either performer. Evan Parker is performing on tenor saxophone, and more often on soprano, while Fred Frith alternates his guitar from its traditional held position to a table top guitar affected by percussive devices or eBow. With Parker's circular breathing and expressive style, both players have a wealth of sounds and textures with which to work. In their experienced hands those tools generate an amazing dialog, intertwining their voices in response to the interchange, with a subtlety of approach that makes the discussion all the more interesting. There are four improvisations, three of 17 minutes or more, and one shorter piece at about 6 minutes. The ideas flow and the charm and impressiveness of their playing is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Exceptional!