Aidan Plank and Garrett Folger: DUO

Having demonstrated his empathetic instincts on the self produced Horizon, his trio release with pianist Anthony Fuoco and drummer Carmen Castaldi in early 2025, Garrett Folger now applies his finely-honed skills on trumpet and flugelhorn to Duo, a freely-improvised date with a fellow Clevelander, bassist Aidan Plank. And although the format does differ from the carefully constructed pieces on the former disc, the results are no less stimulating, with a broad range of exploratory possibilities that reveal yet another dimension of Folger's emerging craft.

As on Horizon, it is clear from the outset that Folger's lyrical sensibilities will prevail here as well; listeners expecting lots of voluble histrionics will generally be disappointed. The opening track, the aptly-named "Shadows and Shapes," gives Plank a chance to start the dialogue with an upper-register arco drone that invites Folger to join with tenuous melodic fragments, as the two gradually find their bearings, the conversation expanding accordingly, but never by fully dispelling its mysterious secrets. The open space in the piece is abundant, stressing the vital importance of the listening process that characterizes the recording from start to finish. The endearing "Sunset Song" is a terrific example of their mutuality, as the two musicians echo each other's reflections with sensitivity and stately grace, and with Plank's own tuneful tendencies matching Folger's.

There are a few moments of unfettered exuberance, as on the brief "Pyracantha," a burst of color with efflorescent eruptions of notes from both players, or "Stridulation," where Folger hits the upper register of his horn with abandon as Plank surges on arco beside him. But these are short interludes, as the majority of the album resides in that accommodating space where ideas can emerge reflectively, their melodicism shining through radiantly. "The Essence Pt. 1" is a fine example, as the track carries a tuneful resonance that belies its improvised character, with Folger's lambent phrases finding their perfect accompaniment in Plank's tender support. And "The Essence Pt. 2" is just as potent, this time with Plank's lithe musicality leading the way as the album winds to a close.

Listening to two kindred spirits making music in the moment is always a joy, and Plank and Folger do so with remarkable rapport on this fine recording.

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