The Joel Futterman - Ike Levin Duo: The Present Gift (2002)

Glenn Astarita

Senior Contributor since 1997

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

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Published: March 1, 2002

This release represents a follow up to the artists’ 2000 trio effort featuring bassist, Randall Hunt. With this outing we find saxophonist, Ike Levin, and pianist/saxophonist, Joel Futterman enjoying a discernible comfort zone via their often-emotive call and response type exchanges and adventurous fabrications. Moreover, this production sports extraordinary sonic characteristics, where every subtlety and nuance shines through in crystalline splendor.

Known as a versatile avant-garde jazz pianist, whose Cecil Taylor influences cannot be underestimated, Joel Futterman also performs on the curved soprano saxophone, while utilizing a wooden Indian flute on, “Arrival.” Futterman’s multitasking abilities surface on more than one occasion. At times, he toggles between piano and curved saxophone as the instrumentalists frequently take turns commandeering the various storylines.

They taper the proceedings down in spots, while Levin’s muscular attack and breezy lines complements Futterman’s circuitous developments. On “The Gift,” Futterman lays down a lower register ostinato groove amid Levin’s darting choruses and animated inflections. Here, lucid imagery abounds as the twosome subsidizes all of the excitement via a series of spontaneously rendered micro-themes. Recommended.

Information: Drbebopp@aol.com

Track Listing: 1.Night Owl 2.Respite 3.Horizon 4.Arrival 5.Pathway 6.Eternal 7.The Present 8.The Gift 9.Observation 10.Remembering 11.Dream 12.Tasty 13.Coolin

Personnel: Joel Futterman: piano, curved soprano saxophone, and wooden Indian flute

Record Label: IML Music
Style: Modern Jazz