A 2024 compilation of two live sets from Butcher (tenor and soprano saxophones), Durrant (electric mandolin, electronics) and Wastell (drums, percussion). The trio have performed together, both as such and in an enormous variety of contexts, for many years so one would think that any tentativeness or searching would have been long by the boards but, at least as presented here, there's a kind of story arc, a feeling-out, from the first of the six tracks to the last, presuming they're placed in their original order.

The first pair, "Around I" and "Around II', took place three days prior to the other four pieces. There's some quiet searching, a pleasing sort of tentativeness, the instruments seeming to wander into a room and make shy introductions to each other. Matters inevitably heat up but, at this point, only really getting into what one may have expected going in: a spiky, pleasantly disjointed kind of conversation that's been standard (if fine) fare for quite a long time, especially on the British free improv scene. "Around II" ups the intensity a bit, Butcher on soprano, Durrant supplying some trenchant low tones that well serve in opening up some space in what could be cramped quarters. Again, a good piece, if a bit standard; there were moments when I was reminded of work as far back as the Music Improvisation Company.

The two opening tracks from the Brighton date, "Above I" and "Above II", sort of reiterate the initial pair in miniature, the first quietly probing, the next agitated and chirpy, though its conclusion leads toward what's to come: the final two cuts, some 24 minutes in total, where it all comes together. Suddenly there's a much more organic aspect in play as well as a greatly enhanced sense of space and open possibilities. The surface textures haven't changed much but, in one of the wonders of this area of music, at least to these ears, the essential character of the music has cohered into something palpable and breathing. Butcher generates some lovely, slightly fluttering, ultra-soft tones on tenor, Wastell contributes spacious, irregular brush caresses of drum heads and cymbals, Durrant the occasional, gentle twang, all of a piece and fully formed, ending in a fine flurry. The final piece begins a bit higher in the atmosphere, Butcher on soprano, but soon congeals into a whirling mass — one almost can't but help think of flocking birds — but, again, a set of sounds very much residing in open air, quite exhilarating.

The release shows the trio taking a bit of time to find their feet but, once grounded (or airborne), the results are extremely rewarding.