Lol Coxhill: Alone And Together

Alone and Together is a new release from the legendary British saxophonist Lol Coxhill featuring a series of solo performances and duets with either cellist Marcio Mattos or violinist Stevie Wishart. The material presented here spans 1991 through 1999 and was recorded live at various venues.

A master improviser and one of the leading exponents of the European free improv/modern jazz scene, Coxhill collaborates with violinist Stevie Wishart on three pieces yet on the piece titled, “Second Rare Duet”, Ms Wishart adds somewhat of an ethnocentric edge by utilizing a stringed instrument called, “Hurdy-Gurdy”. Here, Coxhill counterbalances with colorfully explicit lines, brief statements and extended notes. On the “Third Rare Duet” Ms Wishart plucks, bangs and scrapes the violin strings in contrast to Coxhill’s performances within various registers of his soprano sax. Coxhill goes it alone on the nine-minute, “A Rare Sopranino Solo” as the master runs through the emotional and expressive gamut with soulful, penetrating lines as though he was opening the door to his mind for all the world to hear. “Les Folies D’ Ossette” is a duet with the estimable bassist/cellist Marcio Mattos as Mattos also utilizes live electronics on this piece. Recorded in 1999 at the “Queen Elizabeth Hall”, Coxhill takes a twenty-two minute solo flight on the piece titled, “The Festival Solo” which also serves as a test of one’s endurance yet Coxhill maintains interest through jagged lines, high notes, split tones, extended notes and keen improvisational speak!

Lol Coxhill is a true master! Alone And Together speaks for itself as the saxophonist continues to pursue fresh, invigorating ideas whether as a truly remarkable soloist or along with some beneficial help from his friends. Lol Coxhill is a most important and vital force in this ever evolving genre some of us call modern or free jazz as Alone and Together drives that point home in complimentary fashion. * * * *

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