Carol Liebowitz and Nick Lyons: The Inner Senses

A freely improvised session for jazz traditionalists—at least, that is one way to characterize this enticing offering from pianist Carol Liebowitz and alto saxophonist Nick Lyons, the follow-up to their duo debut, First Set (Line Art, 2016). While there is a great deal of extemporaneity and surprise on hand, the two seasoned veterans also delight in finding pleasure in a sinuous groove or a lovely melody, rendering this an enjoyable listen on multiple levels.

The 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.