"Searching for the Disappeared Hour" is a captivating collaboration between the virtuosic pianist Sylvie Courvoisier and the innovative guitarist Mary Halvorson, released under the Pyroclastic Records label on October 29, 2021. This album is a testament to the dynamic interplay between two of the most creative forces in contemporary jazz and avant-garde music. Recorded in Mount Vernon, New York in June 2021, the album spans 12 tracks and 59 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of free jazz and avant-garde explorations.
Courvoisier and Halvorson's second duo album together, "Searching for the Disappeared Hour," delves into the jazz canon while playfully disrupting traditional forms. The duo's chemistry is evident in every note, as they navigate through compositions that range from the intricate "Golden Proportion" to the hauntingly beautiful "Moonbow." Tracks like "Lulu’s Second Theorem" and "Faceless Smears" showcase their ability to blend technical prowess with a sense of spontaneity and adventure.
The album's title track, "The Disappearing Hour," is a standout, encapsulating the duo's ability to create a sense of mystery and intrigue. Each piece on the album is a journey in itself, with Courvoisier's piano and Halvorson's guitar weaving together to create a sound that is both familiar and groundbreaking. Whether it's the energetic "Four-Point Play" or the introspective "Bent Yellow," the album offers a diverse range of moods and textures.
"Searching for the Disappeared Hour" is not just an album; it's an experience. It invites the audience to explore the boundaries of jazz and avant-garde music, offering a fresh perspective on what these genres can achieve. Sylvie Courvoisier and Mary Halvorson's collaboration is a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the endless possibilities of musical expression.