Search - Ken Vandermark, Paul Lytton :: English Suites

This double disc features saxophonist Ken Vandermark and established avant-garde drummer Paul Lytton. Disc one, recorded in Chicago, features Vandermark and Lytton going head to head with energy and wit. Though capable of kicking up some dust with his sticks, Lytton often seems to have little interest in filling up the space, instead choosing to use splashes of percussion and subtle free-time rhythms to make his points. Vandermark's playing is often intense and actively probing with sharp runs of notes, but he also uses circular breathing to create long, sustained tones. The second disc, recorded in Belgium, follows a more relaxed and contemplative muse. Here the drummer adds live electronics to the mix: Piercing squeals, moody tones, clicks, and odd flutters occasionally rise out of the fray to add a ghostly third voice to the mix. A beautiful two-way conversation between adept players, English Suites is a sublime and subtle addition to each player's growing canon. --Tad Hendrickson