Irène Schweizer, a pioneering figure in the world of free jazz and avant-garde music, teams up with legendary drummer Andrew Cyrille for an electrifying live album that captures the essence of their spontaneous and dynamic duo performance. Released on July 2, 2012, via Intakt Records, this 44-minute journey is a testament to the artists' improvisational prowess and deep musical connection.
The album kicks off with "Smashing Napf," a high-energy track that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Schweizer's virtuosic piano playing is perfectly complemented by Cyrille's intricate drumming, creating a captivating dialogue between the two musicians. "Soft Inside" follows, offering a moment of respite with its delicate and introspective atmosphere. The longest track, "From Stäfa to Willisau Via Music," showcases the duo's ability to build complex compositions on the fly, with each musician responding to the other's cues and pushing the boundaries of their improvisation.
"As Time Goes On" is a brief and playful interlude, while "Fiction of the 13th Kind" closes the album with another extended exploration of the duo's creative synergy. Throughout the record, Schweizer and Cyrille demonstrate their mastery of their respective instruments and their shared passion for pushing the limits of jazz and avant-garde music.
This live album is a thrilling document of a remarkable musical partnership, capturing the energy and spontaneity of a live performance while showcasing the depth and complexity of Schweizer and Cyrille's improvisational skills. Whether you're a long-time fan of free jazz or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.