"Two is the first and smallest even prime number, signifying divisibility by both one and itself. It is a fundamental concept in mathematics. It's associated with duality, symmetry and balance, providing an advantage in problem solving, as it allows comparison, choice and contrast. With two alternatives, decisions can be made, dilemmas can be solved and paths can be chosen."-Phonogram Unit

"As we said here recently, after decades of work behind the scenes, saxophonist and clarinetist Bruno Parrinha (b. 1963) is beginning to receive the attention he deserves. He established himself last year with the release of two important albums under his own name: the bold solo recording "Da Erosão" (4daRecord) and the debut of his trio Vine Leaf, with Luís Lopes and João Valinho, on the album "Tales of Senses " (Clean Feed edition). A very active figure in the Lisbon improvised scene, Parrinha has always been involved in multiple projects, although this activity is not reflected in a vast record production under his own name. The situation is now starting to change and, after these two important albums released in 2023, he released "Into the Wood" in January this year, in a trio with Ernesto Rodrigues and João Madeira (with Creative Sources label). And one of the most curious projects he is part of is the Nude quartet, by Luísa Gonçalves (piano), with Joana Sá and Yedo Gibson (saxophones).

Now comes another recording to pay attention to. Officially released on 02/02, "Two" was edited by Phonogram Unit and, this time, we find Parrinha in a duo with a much younger musician. João Gato (b. 2000) is one of the most interesting young musicians on the national scene, leader of the Apophenia quartet - with Bernardo Tinoco, Zé Almeida and Samuel Dias - who published the excellent "Prötzeler" (one of the nominees for the Play 2023 Awards). Exploring different sound environments, the young saxophonist has started collaborations with musicians such as João Valinho, Yedo Gibson or João Carreiro and has collaborated with projects such as SE Pony or the quintet of singer Filipa Franco - who has just released her debut record, "Imagem " (Roda Music).

A saxophonist and clarinetist, Parrinha has used different reed instruments over the years, but in these more recent works he has dedicated himself mainly to the alto saxophone (with the exception of "Into the Wood", where he plays the bass clarinet). On this album, Parrinha uses the alto sax exclusively, which is also João Gato's instrument. The fact that there are two saxophones, particularly from the same register, could raise questions, challenges and problems (on top of those that the practice of improvisation already usually raises): How to avoid the sound from being redundant? How to prevent them from running over each other? Can you reveal different voices? On the left channel you can hear João Gato's alto saxophone; on the right channel you can hear Bruno Parrinha. The duo works on an improvised dialogue, in which the instruments intertwine, dialoguing, exchanging ideas, in a very curious and challenging process. The music is purely improvised and is based on a process of communication, action and reaction, in constant articulation. Each of the elements introduces ideas, provoking, heading in different directions. It is not always a perfect meeting, there is also shock and disagreement, but the musicians work on active listening and often look for points of meeting and communion. This album reveals a beautiful improvised and exploratory dialogue, which results in creative music, recommended for anyone who appreciates the magic of creating music in real time."-Nuno Catarino, JAZZ.PT