LAURA MACDONALD /
DAVID BERKMAN – Duets
NIRO – 001
Luara Macdonald (alto saxophone); David Berkman (paino)
Recorded 2013
It widely stated that the duo is a notoriously difficult and unforgiving setting in which to perform, with no place to hide or cover mistakes and every inflection and nuance laid bare for all to hear. This however does not deter many from exploring the format hence the large number of duo albums released each year, including this superb set from a Scottish saxophonist, and an American pianist.
The album is book ended with two ‘Interludes’, brief solo improvisations for piano and saxophone respectively, but the real substance in this set are to be found in the aforementioned treacherous waters of the duet. Drawing the repertoire from standards and the Great American Songbook again is a chancy and hazardous pursuit laying one’s self open to comparison with what has gone before. It therefore goes without saying that these performances should be judged on their own merits, and stand up they certainly do.
Macdonald is possessed with a broad and expressive tone on alto, full and bright in the upper register, and wonderfully resonant in the lower that gives weight to her phrases in a most satisfying manner. Pianist, Berkman, is superb in accompaniment but is also not afraid to take the lead. Listening intently he will often step out to lead the saxophonist down a new avenue of exploration, and is also a succinct and forceful soloist with ideas a plenty.
Laura turns out a beautiful and heartfelt ‘Skylark’ that is truly breathtaking, along with an suitably paced reading of ‘Darn That Dream’. Upping the tempo for Jobim’s ‘Triste’ both participants are surefooted and resourceful, and blistering on ‘Cherokee’; and just listen to the Laura’s leaps between registers – control coupled with an imaginative improvisation that rejuvenates even this old warhorse.
This is an album to be listened to and savoured time and time again, as each hearing reveals new delights. Wonderful stuff!
Reviewed by Nick Lea
NIRO – 001
Luara Macdonald (alto saxophone); David Berkman (paino)
Recorded 2013
It widely stated that the duo is a notoriously difficult and unforgiving setting in which to perform, with no place to hide or cover mistakes and every inflection and nuance laid bare for all to hear. This however does not deter many from exploring the format hence the large number of duo albums released each year, including this superb set from a Scottish saxophonist, and an American pianist.
The album is book ended with two ‘Interludes’, brief solo improvisations for piano and saxophone respectively, but the real substance in this set are to be found in the aforementioned treacherous waters of the duet. Drawing the repertoire from standards and the Great American Songbook again is a chancy and hazardous pursuit laying one’s self open to comparison with what has gone before. It therefore goes without saying that these performances should be judged on their own merits, and stand up they certainly do.
Macdonald is possessed with a broad and expressive tone on alto, full and bright in the upper register, and wonderfully resonant in the lower that gives weight to her phrases in a most satisfying manner. Pianist, Berkman, is superb in accompaniment but is also not afraid to take the lead. Listening intently he will often step out to lead the saxophonist down a new avenue of exploration, and is also a succinct and forceful soloist with ideas a plenty.
Laura turns out a beautiful and heartfelt ‘Skylark’ that is truly breathtaking, along with an suitably paced reading of ‘Darn That Dream’. Upping the tempo for Jobim’s ‘Triste’ both participants are surefooted and resourceful, and blistering on ‘Cherokee’; and just listen to the Laura’s leaps between registers – control coupled with an imaginative improvisation that rejuvenates even this old warhorse.
This is an album to be listened to and savoured time and time again, as each hearing reveals new delights. Wonderful stuff!
Reviewed by Nick Lea
