Pierre Favre: Albatros (2011)

GLENN ASTARITA,

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

Longtime contributor to AAJ and Downbeat, Jazz Review, EjazzNews, Radio DirectX.

Recent articles (1,629 total)

Published: February 1, 2011

Track review of "Seeing"

Renowned Swiss drummer Pierre Favre imparts his kaleidoscopic tonal palette into these intricately exercised and probing duets with fellow countryman, guitarist Philipp Schaufelberger. The musicians cover a gamut of twists, turns and subtle theme building maneuvers, including airy environs and an abundance of tradeoffs. Moreover, Favre balances out the set with structured patterns and asymmetrical rhythms in concert with his melodic fills.

"Seeing" presents an ambient vista, with Favre's delicate drumming and soft cymbal hits offering a solemn underpinning to Schaufelberger's gentle plucking, flickering notes and echo-laden treatments. They project a blissful state that may intimate a waiting period before entering a solemn kingdom. Capacious by design, the duo paints a stark, yet unhurried soundscape, while quietly raising the tension meter throughout.

Lucid imagery abounds on this irrefutably diverse program, set forth by two masters aligning their musical spirits into a cohesive entity. Communication via improvisation and ardently fabricated dialogues cast a persuasive edge.

Personnel: Philipp Schaufelberger: guitar; Pierre Favre: drums.

Record Label: Intakt Records