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Carol Liebowitz and Nick Lyons: The Inner Senses
ByThe album's 10 tracks are all jointly improvised, with the exception of "Ontology," a blues-inflected, heady piece composed by pianist Connie Crothers, a onetime mentor of Liebowitz. Yet despite the freedom afforded by the unstructured format, even a quick listen to "Night Sunflower" reveals an abiding respect for swing, as Liebowitz's walking bass line furnishes a sturdy platform for Lyons' lyrical jaunts. "Hidden Source" has a similar sauntering aspect, as Lyons struts his way atop Liebowitz's garrulous lines. And "It's True" almost sounds like a show tune, so prominent is its melodic character, with Liebowitz again providing a steady rhythmic pulse for Lyons' ingratiating style. It is so disciplined and precise that it almost sounds composed, like much of the music here. Even when the music's immediacy is less apparent, as on "Phantasm," where the two explore what becomes a mutual reverie, the musicians remain in close rapport, despite the piece's spartan abstraction.
These relatively brief tracks do not overstay their welcome, as most come in at under seven minutes, giving the album the feel of a series of focused, purposeful conversations between close friends. "Aurora" is an ideal example, with Lyons in a reflective mood, carefully exploring phrases that Liebowitz follows adroitly as the two maintain their synchronicity throughout. But amidst the album's many tempered moments there are some potent bursts of exuberance to be found as well. The entrancing "River that Flows Both Ways" gives Liebowitz a chance to roam the lower recesses of the keyboard, creating a tumultuous momentum that energizes Lyons. And the album's title track goes into even more turbulent space, as a piece that begins with furtive explorations soon surges under Liebowitz's forceful attacks, with Lyons digging into the music's aggression with gusto.
A first-rate reunion between two accomplished improvisers who began working together in 2007, The Inner Senses extends the partnership documented on The First Set, and points toward the promising potential of a third meeting down the road.
Track Listing
Hidden Source; The Inner Senses; Ontology; Aurora; River that Flows Both Ways; Night Sunflower; Phantasm; Crystalline Moon; It’s True; Imaginary Colors.
Personnel
Carol Liebowitz
pianoNick Lyons
saxophone, altoAlbum information
Title: The Inner Senses | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Steeplechase Lookout
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