Each of these ten tracks feature
Steve Lacy in duo performances. Compiled by the soprano saxophonist, and not released until 1997, there are highlights galore throughout, making this an essential recording for any admirer of
Lacy's work. Each tune (most of which were composed by
Lacy) features him with a different partner, including trombonists
Roswell Rudd and
George Lewis; percussionists
Muhammad Ali and Masahiko Togashi; pianists
Ulrich Gumpert,
Bobby Few, and
Mal Waldron; guitarist
Derek Bailey; saxophonist Steve Potts; and vocalist
Irene Aebi. While the sound is slightly subpar, the music is uniformly superb and showcases
Lacy in some of his most creative and exuberant collaborations. While the material is often familiar, the results surprise and even startle, though in
Lacy's inimitably tasteful way. ~ Steve Loewy