Agusti Fernandez & Mats Gustafsson: Critical Mass

Right at the other extreme, Gustafsson produces some of the most minimalist sounds possible from a sax, the merest suggestion of breath on the reed or the barely audible percussive effect achieved by unblown fingering of the keys. Fernández matches this with minute percussive gestures inside the piano. On "Critical Mass 6:53, the pair operate for a prolonged period so near to the threshold of audibility that they could be awarded honorary membership in New London Silence! As these examples serve to demonstrate, the two complement each other perfectly throughout.

In addition to eight duo tracks, Critical Mass includes a solo feature for each player, wherein each showcases a range of techniques. On "Critical Mass 5:15 Gustafsson's include percussive fingering and staccato blowing producing split tones; on "Critical Mass 6:13 (yes, rather tiresome titles) Fernández gives a demonstration of prepared piano at its best.

However, as good as they are, the individual pieces serve most to highlight the synergy achieved by the pairing. This is amply demonstrated on the closing track, "Critical Mass 5:59, a fluid, high-energy simultaneous improvisation that brings the album to a dramatic and satisfying conclusion.

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