Recorded in 2001 at Gallery 2310 in Oakland, California, young Bay Area double bassist Damon Smith met German free improvising master Peter Kowald for two sets of lively, explorative and technically superb improvisations: "Broken Mirrors" and "Reflections".
"This release, pairing German master, Peter Kowald and the fiery young Bay Area bassist, Damon Smith, is an extraordinary example of what can happen when two improvisers are also virtuoso listeners. The linear clarity, the high spirited sonic explorations, the overall conversational approach and the unrelenting forward motion add up to an exciting listening experience. One of the remarkable things is that this dynamic duo accomplishes this without the usual " you play arco and I'll play pizzicato" approach.
This is testimony to their acute hearing and ability to make split-second decisions which result in maintaining their individual lines. This is no easy feat! Kowald employs his unique sonic vocabulary and Smith deftly compliments him with his "encyclopedic" sound world, all the while making music that is unrelenting rhythmically. There is no ebb and flow . . . it's simple straight ahead. There is no "tug of war" as we find in some improvising duos, but a highly spirited conversational approach that is exhilarating and most engaging. Don't miss this unique listening experience. It is creative for the new millennium, par excellence!"-Bert Turetzky