Vandermark, Ken / Nilssen-Love, Paal

Dual Pleasure

Label: Smalltown Superjazzz Country: Norway

The association between Norwegian Drummer Paal Nilssen-Love and Chicago saxophonist Ken Vandermark has seemingly been one of continuously paring down boundaries and borders. [...] This duo recording for the Norwegian label Smalltown Supersound prunes things even more without amputating the vital essence. [...] They create music on the spot that feels, at times to be composed. The symbiotic relationship between the two fuels the same. Whether Vandermark is treading lightly with his bass clarinet on 'Storefront Materials' or charging forward with a tenor assault, Nilssen-Love has a measured response. The saxophonist's intellect and preference for organized sounds finds a suitable match in the Norwegian drummer. Nilssen-Love is well versed in the schools of both Elvin Jones and Han Bennink, able to apply thunder or freedom where appropriate. Dual Pleasure presents an excellent primer for further exploration of each musician's individual works."-Mark Corroto, All About Jazz