Günter Christmann, Mats Gustafsson

*2023 stock* These 18 short duets between cellist/trombonist Gunter Christmann and Swedish new music provocateur and saxophonist Mats Gustaffson eschew all melodic pretension, leading to some very difficult, though rewarding listening. Christmann performs mostly on his stringed warrior, where scratches and little sounds lead the way. Somehow, when matched with the saxophonist's highly developed sense of rhythm and sporadic flurry, the results lure the listener into a den of revolutionary fervor. To the uninitiated, this may sound like irritating noise, but listen closely, and the logical consistency and utter originality come through. Both players perform their instruments unconventionally, with utter abandon.