It was the afternoon of September 11, 2001, when this quartet arrived at the studio, only to have found out earlier that the horrifying events of the moment would be etched in the collective memories of America and the world as a day that would live in infamy. The players decided to record, although they altered their repertoire, and instead, on the spur of the moment, produced some largely freely improvised pieces that serve (whether intended or not) as a fitting memorial to the victims of that terrible day's events. The results are purely instrumental, although the players each reflect briefly on the day in the liner notes. The tone is understandably more subdued than usual, yet there is a sparkling, life-affirming quality to it that rings with hope. At its most outgoing, it is upbeat and intense, though never disrespectfully so. The subtlety, softness, and sensitivity speak to the moment, as reflected in the song titles (for example, "Cries, Whispers & Cries"). One of the most telling pieces features
Michael Bisio alone on acoustic bass on "In the End There Is Peace," where his overtly emotional reflections weave contrasting emotions of pain and hope.
McPhee and
Giardullo are longtime collaborators who know each other well, though nothing could have prepared them for this. That they and their compatriots produce something as sophisticated, emotional, and heart-rending as this recording is testimony to their talent and depth of feeling. ~ Steven Loewy