Karen Borca, Paul Murphy: Entwined

Bassoonist Karen Borca has impeccable credentials, both as an improviser and performer. She was one of the groundbreaking pianist Cecil Taylor's students, and a large part of her recorded output has been in collaborative settings with other Taylor disciples. Most notably, Borca has appeared on four superb discs by her late husband, and Taylor's side man, saxophonist Jimmy Lyons. Given her impressive résumé, it is surprising that she has not appeared as a leader until Entwined (Relative Pitch, 2024).

This captivating release comprises seven duets with her long-time colleague, drummer Paul Murphy. The fiery "Good News Blues" opens the set with a bang. Borca's growling lines flow at a high tempo, creating a dynamic and passionate sonic tapestry. Murphy's breathtakingly lithe polyrhythms create a tense and intricate framework for the bassoonist's improvisations. The dynamic dialogue embraces delightful dissonance with exuberance; it is free-flowing and energetic yet deftly controlled to stay within the pair's creative vision.

This balance of seemingly unbridled spontaneity and subtle moderation marks the entire work. "Snapping Turtle," for instance, starts with a lyrical motif upon which Borca builds her vibrant and incandescent extemporization. Murphy responds in kind, at times powerfully thundering while, at others, letting loose a reserved gallop of drumbeats. The camaraderie between the two musicians is remarkable. Their unconstrained musings maintain such synergy that they become a single unit without losing their individualities.

Overall, the mood is extroverted, with a strong undercurrent of righteous outrage. This is perhaps best heard on "Cambiar." Borca furiously blows short refrains that coalesce and evolve throughout this stimulating piece. Murphy's kit rumbles and rolls, pushing Borca to expressive heights. Even as each artist briefly solos, they maintain a connection to one another and to the overall theme of the album.

Although Borca has appeared on leaderless group recordings before, it took her over four decades to properly lead a session of her own. It was worth the wait. for Entwined demonstrates Borca at her best, her musical maturity crossed with her unabated youthful enthusiasm. This, together with the seamless rapport she has with Murphy, makes for a rewarding listening experience.