Susan Weinert: Tomorrow

The powerful team of guitarists Martin and Susan Weinert is probably better known for their progressive fusion recordings dating back to Bottom Line (Intuition, 1996) and Point of View (Intuition, 1999). But in recent years they've proven to be equally formidable in an acoustic setting. Tomorrow's Dream , rekindles the fire of their memorable acoustic duo recording Synergy (Tough Tone Records, 2002).

If you take the discipline of contemporary classical music and infuse it with improvisation, it might begin to describe this recording. The Weinert's marriage (musically speaking) is one of harmony, spontaneity, and enthusiasm, as heard on eight new compositions. Their intuitiveness, creative solos, and insightful accompaniment, are all parts of a winning formula that rivals any guitar ensemble be it jazz or any other style.

First and foremost, this recording sounds exquisite, as heard on the opening piece "Deep Blue Sky. A duality of timbres surfaces as Susan's lithe (yet commanding) nylon strings are balanced by Martin's powerfully resonate arco. The music is further enhanced on many pieces by just the faintest accent of electronic sounds. There is a distinctiveness that presents itself in unexplored material as Susan states, "That, which is mysterious, secretive and enigmatic, that which cannot be deciphered at first glance, has always held a magical attraction for me.

This attraction permeates every composition as the duo performs gracefully on the title piece, a beautiful ballad, as Susan solos with fluid dexterity. An upbeat avant-gardism touches "Ocean, as the duo moves through simple and complex changes. Martin's bass has never sounded better, with a dark and somber solo on "Tiefe Stille, that transitions into dreamy pattern as Susan lays down rapidly searching notes.

Fittingly, the tune "He Left Too Early is dedicated to the memory of the great bassist Jaco Pastorius, touched with joyous and soulful melancholy. This sentiment is also present as the recording finally concludes, warranting repeated listens. The Weinert's have done it again; created a fresh work of artistic beauty that is stimulating and unforgettable.