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Ingrid Laubrock and Andy Milne: Fragile
ByAs all ten compositions are Laubrock's, one might at first assume that Milne is a secondary figure here. But that notion is quickly dispelled right from the outset, as the pianist's lovely rubato opening to "Equanimity" lays the foundation for Laubrock's hauntingly beautiful tenor saxophone, allowing the musicians the chance to explore the piece's contours with sensitivity and nuance. Milne's patient restraint and emotional depth bring out Laubrock's lyrical side, softening the edges of her playing and allowing her lighter hues to emerge more vividly. The title track is another example of Milne's leavening effect on Laubrock, with a warmth in his delivery which sparkles alongside Laubrock's lambent phrases.
The influence runs the other way as well, however, with Laubrock occasionally pushing Milne into more abstract territory. "Fragment" and "Splinter" are studies in texture, with Laubrock's extended soprano saxophone technique in close conversation with Milne's prepared piano, and the pieces only gradually taking on fixed dimensions with ostinato phrases generating rhythmic energy. "Bolder Fall Ejecta" may be the best example of the two catalyzing one another, as Laubrock's feisty soprano sax flights invigorate Milne, whose percussive intensity reaches impressive heights in some dazzling runs across the keyboard. Milne's angularity also animates "Ants in My Brain," expertly opening up the theme for Laubrock to investigate with another stunning soprano turn. And "Unapologetically Yours" has a wildness which almost sounds freely improvised, as Milne shows he can certainly keep up with Laubrock's more "out"-leaning moments.
While Laubrock excels in every format from solo performance to large ensemble, there is something about the duo setting which seems to cultivate much of her best work, and Fragile is no exception. It should be a highlight in Milne's impressive catalog as well.
Track Listing
Equanimity; Fragment; Bolder Fall Ejecta; Fragile; Shard; Ants in My Brain; Unapologetically Yours; Illusion of Character; Kintsugi; Splinter.
Personnel
Ingrid Laubrock
saxophoneAndy Milne
pianoAlbum information
Title: Fragile | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Intakt Records
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Induction
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About Ingrid Laubrock
Instrument: Saxophone
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